The firmware can be obtained here (http://www.firmwareupdate.us/)

Note: There is two firmware discs which is available from the site. The older one is the only one which has contains the Denon 1600 firmware 068 and supports fewer models. The latest one supports units listed on the page and does not contain the Denon firmware.

Newest RP-91 firmware version: 262 I knew it! Sango has found the holy grail of Panasonic DVD players: The most updated firmware disc for all Panasonic DVD players as of March 2004.

BTW, Sango, this list is becoming very confusing. Why don't you compose it the way you see fit - i.e. according to the model numbers and including the improvement listed. There are couple of links I can provide you that have other Panasonic DVD players listed. I just have to dig through my bookmarks...

RP-91: http://www.goodmanstl.org/home_theater/equip/rp91faq/rp91_faq.html#10.%20Firmware%20Updates

Firmware # Comments
155 Original Release May 2001
227 Pink Tint & Picture Shift
236 Reduced Combing
250 Grey Stripe

A105, A110, A120, A310: http://www.hometheaterforum.com/bbs/archive/23342.html
There is a big long list in this link with many users confirmed improvement. Here is some excerpt:

Unless you have sent your DVD-A105, DVD-A110, DVD-A310 in to Panasonic for the firmware upgrade, you have the original firmware version. These players will be subject to the Sudare Noise artifact and the occasional chapter skipping at layer transitions. However, this does not mean that your player needs to be sent in. Many people have reported that their player hasn't had any objectionable problems. Sudare Noise will occur on all of these players, but the actual number of discs, that have the MPEG encoding error that triggers these artifacts, is relatively small. If you are happy with your player's performance, don't sweat it, enjoy the player.

There is a problem with some of the early model DVD-A120s (manufactured before March 1999) that where shipped with the old revision of firmware. Panasonic claims that only 4% of DVD-A120 players that were shipped, are affected. If one has a player that exhibits severe pixellation on some dual layer discs or skips chapters, this is likely one of the affected players. The "fix" is a simply upgrade of the firmware in the onboard ROM.

Current firmware numbers:
The following firmware numbers are known to be the most current revision. All DVD-A120s should have this number (or similar) if manufactured March 1999 or later. All other players will have these numbers (or similar) AFTER the upgrade.

DVD A120 - 0100404C4, 0100453C8
(However, several owners with an original firmware number of 0100367C2 have reported little or no problems)

DVD A310 - **** U733, after upgrade, the U733 is the important part.

DVD A110 - **** U733, after upgrade, the U733 is the important part.

Done! Start thread changed.

Not sure where to put documentation of the changes but at least it's easier to read.
---

Hmm is anyone willing to test the firmware disc on the the CP67/72 and RP56/62 as well?

A dead link is a dead link. What a joke.

HoustonGuy:

What is wrong? Don't you want firmware upgrade for your precious XP30s?

I did an update to the firmware list.
RP56 now has version 62 as I used the disc.

Originally posted by Sango
I did an update to the firmware list.
RP56 now has version 62 as I used the disc.

That's pretty crazy that this disc can update multiple players. Especially odd that there is newer firmware for old (RP56/91) players.

i have an xp30
how do i find out the firmware on it and how do i upgrade it and what will it change?

RelDudeGOP:

I've changed the start thread which includes the way to check for the firmware.

Upgrading is pretty simple. Just put the disc in and you will be presented with a question asking if you want to update or not.

For changes, I've explained it on my other thread which applies for the RP82. Pleease read here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=370065&perpage=20&pagenumber=3).

Changes for XP30/50 should be the same but Sam/Omikron haven't commented on their units as of yet.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Omikron and Sam please comment your updated units after do your observations.

Sam, before you update your XP30 to 302, try watching something first then upgrade then watch it again. Also comment about the XP50 and RP91 upgraded.

Originally posted by Sango
Changes for XP30/50 should be the same but Sam/Omikron haven't commented on their units as of yet.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Omikron and Sam please comment your updated units after do your observations.

Sam, before you update your XP30 to 302, try watching something first then upgrade then watch it again. Also comment about the XP50 and RP91 upgraded.

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.

XP30/50 V272-V302: Let's just make it a given that XP30 & XP50 are identical video wise. I own each of the players and have spent serious time trying to distinguish the two, but am unable. So, that being said...I really didn't see any picture improvement on this update either. Now I already am really impressed with what the original firmware does on good DVDs, still looks stunning w/V302. I pulled out Video Essentials, looked at some patterns, the whole nine yards. I don't want to say there are no improvements, but I may not be able to spot them. If anything, the menu navigation time may be improved slightly, but I have no quantitative way to measure this observation. Also checked the audio features post-update. Still able to play the same 3 MP3 formats as the RP91K + WMA discs. No changes.

FWIW, my display is a 55" Mitsubishi Diamond CRT RPTV WS-55908 ISF'd by Steve Martin (aka Cheezmo).

If anyone has any specific scenes or tests they'd like me to look at, let me know.

EDIT: After a little more time comparing XP30/50 pre and post update, I will come to the conclusion that there is possibly a picture improvement w/V302. I used identical DVDs of Runaway Jury playing at slightly different starting points to switch on the fly. If anything, V302 has improved color rendition, and possibly improvements related to MPEG decoding. You know, the MPEG noise inherent in big blocks of transitioning color on almost every DVD? It is slightly less visible with V302. The picture is not softer, rather the decoding is less noisy.

Sam,

That description of the improvements fits what I was seeing on my anime DVD except I didn't know how to put it into words. I noticed the same thing when I tested the RP56 and the PQ went up just like the 82 did.

Sango

I have the xp50. Where can I obtain the firmware update disk? Thanks in advance

start thread

Where can you get the firmware update?.I have the RP-82

You can't get it anywhere because Panasonic will say there is none.

This has been discussed on my other thread.
---------------------------------------------------------
I'll discuss my version of what I saw on my RP82 once again.

I watched just one anime(Last Exile) so far and I notice the difference quite easily. The video plays more fluidly than before and PQ is better as well as I can see more details in the picture.

Omikron- as you very well know, sticking firmware in an XP-30 is like throwing a cow chip in a punch bowl at a State Dinner.

How about the Xp50? Will updating the firmware yield beneficial results? If yes, can someone please show me how to obtain it? Thanks

Originally posted by Sango
You can't get it anywhere because Panasonic will say there is none.

This has been discussed on my other thread.
---------------------------------------------------------
I'll discuss my version of what I saw on my RP82 once again.

I watched just one anime(Last Exile) so far and I notice the difference quite easily. The video plays more fluidly than before and PQ is better as well as I can see more details in the picture.

Well that sucks.By the way my spindle motor went on my RP82.After reading how to check the firmware and checking what firmware I had the RP82 kicked the bucket right after that.I get the H02 error.I have an extended 2 year warranty on it until March 7,2006 so I will be dropping it off tomorrow for repair.I laso have a Panasonic DMR-E50 so atleast I have something to use in the mean time.When I checked the firmware I couldn't make it out.It had 3 sets of numbers and a letter or 2.

Ripper64:

Maybe this update disc will also work on Panasonic DMR-E50 DVD recorder.

The underlined links to the 262 firmware for the RP91, in Sango's original post, doesn't work for me. Anyone have a link to that site?

Ok now I begin to understand Houston's and merc's post now.

Those are not hyperlinks. I just put underlines to indicate lastest versions of the firmware. I applogize for the confusion.

I have now change them to bold italics in the start thread.

Those are not hyperlinks. I just put underlines to indicate lastest versions of the firmware. I applogize for the confusion.Sango,

Okay... then where can I find the 262 firmware? Where did you find the 262 firmware for the RP91?

Thanks!

Hi Merc:

As discussed several times, nobody can get any firmware by asking Panasonic as vic tried to as they said there is for this unit etc. etc.. This has been mentioned on my other thread.

The firmware I gotten is supposed to be for the RP82. Omikron and Sam wanted to try it out so I sent them an image and they tried it out on other units (XP30/50) it actually worked. Sam is the one who tried it on his RP91 as well (his heart was pounding when he dared it!!) he was relieved after it worked as he checked the firmware and it said version 262. It seems like the firmware disc I have applies to several units if not all.

I've also tried it on my RP56 as a test and then it changed to version 62.

Thanks for the info Sango!

What are the benefits of the 262 firmware on the RP91 versus the 259 firmware?

Thanks!

Hi Merc,

I don't have an RP91 so I can't really comment about about it but Sam Scamardo did post his findings on the 1st page of the thread since he owns the unit. I did comment about my 82 thou.

Sango

Sango,any chance I can get the latest RP82 firmware from you on Messenger?.I live in Ontario,Canada.Is it worth the upgrade?.By the way,I have 272 on mine.

The download links are available on the start thread.

I say it's worth it since I notice changes which which I mentioned which makes the PQ better.

It can also fix issues for better reading optimzation for certain discs as well.

Sango, I just tried sending you a PM but couldn't because your inbox is full. Please send me the RP-82 firmware (ISO image) at... mvictorin@yahoo.com

P.S. Does it work for the U.S. or just Canadian units?

Same here.Your Inbox is full:D

Same here also.:) If you could AIM to me at nchronis, I'd very much appreciate it.

Have both an XP30(268) now and RP91(259). Would appreciate it here as well. Thanks

Could you add me to your list as well? toddeythestaplerman@hotmail.com

Thanks a lot!

Ell

Add another XP-30 (268) to your mail list.........Please.......rkempf@mindspring.com.........Than k you!....RK

Sorry about that guys for being unable to PM me. My private messages was flooded with request so I trashed them all out so you can private message me once again.

You can also edit out your email address in your post as well because it's impossible to email 50 megs because it's going to get rejected by the mail server because of the file size!.

Sango
---

The firmware can work on any country unit reguardless.

Stock(Unmodified) units only!!

Originally posted by Omikron
Ripper64:

Maybe this update disc will also work on Panasonic DMR-E50 DVD recorder.

I tried it in the Panasonic DMR-E50 and didn't work.

First off thanks to Sango for providing us this upgrade. I installed it this morning on my XP30 and it went flawlessly. I felt rather daring and decided to pull out my Denon 1600 since it basically has a Panny user interface and figured what the heck, let me give it a whirl. i inserted the disc and was told that I needed a firmware upgrade. Without hestitation I clicked on ok and it started the upgrade. The unit powered down and then back up at the end of the upgrade.

Now for the slight scare. I placed a DVD into the drawer only to be told that it wouldn't play a DVD from this region. I almost died. I powered the unit down and waited a few seconds. Upon powering back up, everything was fine. Whew! It's since played several DVD's I've placed in it. The current firmware now shows 068. I didn't note the exact previous firmware, but I think it was 02X or 03X or something like that. I'm not suggesting anyone try this, but I just thought I'd let you know of my morning adventure.

I'm new to the world of having firmware upgrades to dvd players. :) I have an xp30 which I got through the S.I. refurbish rush that occurred a couple of months ago.

Does upgrading the firmware provide an upgrade in PQ?

Thanks!

-JR

Could someone host the ISO file? I would like to try it on my 56 and 72!

Thanks

Hi JuiceRocket, the PQ does go up and Sam mentioned on the 1st page of the thread. I also commented it as well.
----

DDD, for hosting, someone has contacted me reguarding it but I have yet to get a responce as I was messaged yesturday for the individual who wanted to host it.

Hi Sango,

I could also benefit from the RP82/XP30 firmware upgrade. I would be very grateful. My email address is garysfreed@comcast.net.

Thank you Sango, I should have read through the post more thoroughly! :)

-JR

Hey Juice np!! =) Most likely you will consider the upgrade.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just to note (for people):

Please read the thread thoroughly. Questions are being asked have already been answered in the thread.

nchronis!! did ur 1600 became region free?

Hi Zoro:

No his player didn't become region free. The region got messed up so I told him the reset method and it fixed it back to region 1. His play works now. He didn't have time to post an update on the situation of his 1600.

Oh, Ic, so we have to wait, till he comments on any improvements?

Zoro:

He said he also noticed same same improvements as well on the 1600 when he upgraded his own Panasonic units.

Sango - tried sending you a PM but your box is full.

I have a Region 1 RP82 and would like to try the 302 firmware (I did a quick hold open and pause and then hit 7 key and I thought it showed a 202 firmware, but that isn't listed so I'm thinking it must have been 282?).

Please PM me to let me know how to create a firmware burn disc.

Thanks,
dagger

Strange, I tested my PMing myself and it's fine. Only 21% of quota so it should be fine. I trashed again 0 just incase.

I read thouroughly, and didn't see my player listed....

Will any of these firmware upgrades help the CP 67 changer?? TIA

Hi Spellbound:

Good question!! The answer to the CP67/72 is unknown at this time since nobody came forward to say they wanted to try it so far (4th post in thread hints that). If you have a CP67/72 and want to try the firmware disc out, I'll be happy enough to give you the firmware. You'll be first one to test! I do have a test subject for the RP-62 now thou! =)

Sango

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. :)

Sango: I"f you have a CP67/72 and want to try the firmware disc out, I'll be happy enough to give you the firmware. "

I will try it out on my CP72!

Sango,

I just sent you a PM.

Sango,

I just sent you a PM with my AIM screenname. Is v302 the best firmware for the RP-82?

Originally posted by Sango
If you have AIM(preferred)/ICQ/MSN, PM me so I can file transfer so you can burn an image.

Can't email since the file is 50 megs.

Sango


Just Sent a PM - MSN username - geawan.

Sango - I have a web site that will take at least 200 50 meg downloads if you think that would work - I could give you the address and if you have FTP you could upload. -PM me and maybe we could work it out. That might help a lot of people.

Seems good Houston. I PMed you. Lets do that.

It has come to my attention that several users are not experiencing the completed screen when the firmware is done updating as it simply displays a black screen after restarting itself. They begin to worry that their unit is gone which insn't true - the final complete screen seems to have glitched out. I didn't experience the issue with my RP82 or 56 thou.

Another issue is which is occuring is being unable to play the player's own region.

I suggest all owners who upgraded their firmware to perform the reset sequence if they gotten the completed screen or not to eliminate issues which may come up.

Simply take out the firmware disc and power the unit off and on again.

Perform the following:
On the unit
- hold PAUSE + BWD-SKIP + OPEN for about 3 seconds

The display will display initialization
- when initialization is being displayed, let go of PAUSE and press STOP while holding the other two buttons.

The display will then display reset.

This will completely reset the unit and it's back to normal =)

Enjoy

Many thanks for your assistance with all of this Sango! :D My upgrade went smoothly. I'll do as you suggest when I get home tonight and reset the unit.

Thanks again!

-JR

I just updated my RP-62 player and it went flawlessly! I was supopsed to be the first one to try it but apparently nchronis beat me to that! :D

Firmware revision is now 076 (was 056). Thank you Sango for this nice finding.

kApOO

Hi:

I have to give my biggest thanks to Sango - both for sharing the upgrade with us and for spending such a long time helping me download and install it into my XP30. Way above and beyond the call man. The color rendering of the 302 version is better than what I had with version 290. I haven't had time to do an audio test to see if that improved as well, but I will try it again after work to see if there are differences.

Again my thanks, well worth it for me:)

Just pm'ed you Sango. Let me add my THANKS!!

Bruce

Hi All,

Sango was kind enough to send me the RP82V302. RAR file with 51,910 KB . I copied it to a CD as data and then inserted in my DVD 1600. I get a message on my TV .."This type of disc canot be played" and the player displays a message 'NO PLAY". I suspect that the file must be copied as a video file or music file to the CD. Anyone have any ideas.

All the best,

Gary

The .rar file is compressed. You have to unzip it and then burn the contents. Sango suggested Blindwrite to burn it. I used it and it worked great.

Bruce

Thanks Bruce:)

I used sango firmware, on 1600, went smoothly..

Any clue how I can unzip this file? I'm not understanding how to use Blindwrite to unzip the file.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Jim

u right click, and extract, the files, unrar/unzip

You need WinRar to extract the rar files.

Use Blindwrite v4.57 to burn the image.
- use writing method DAO Pw (best writing method)

Hi:

Shark73 - use winrar to unzip it. then use blindwrite to burn it. When it is unzipped the files are coded as blindwrite files - at least they were for me. Then you open blindwrite search the directory where you unzipped to and it will detect the files. Note - it will only show 1 of the 3 files that you unzipped but as long as all 3 files are in the same directory selecting only the 1 file is fine. Then burn.

Thanks

Originally posted by zoro
I used sango firmware, on 1600, went smoothly..


how is 1600 now?

Greetings,
Longtime lurker, first time poster. Is there any way I can get the latest firmware update for an XP30? My aim screen name is Theguywhogotrice

Sango sent me the file too. I wanted to thank him and if anyone wants the file over msn then send me an email and we'll set it up.

eheh First nchronis pulls a stunt on the 1600! now Zoro! ehhehe! =)

Thank you to Sango for his great work on this update and to the rest of you for helping me extract the file and burn the disc.

My XP-50 is now updated to v.302!

Jim

Man, it is ALIVE!! my 1600, uhhhh!! Better or same!! I have to check with same dvds, i watched before!

I too would like to thank Sango for his patience and generosity in helping
everyone who has been following this thread.

I just got home and installed the firmware upgrade into our Denon 1600.
I guess it changes the region in the process.

How do I get it back to region 1 again.

Originally posted by zoro
Better os same!!

bad english?!?!?!?!?

sorry man, if my bad English hurt ur fellings!

I would also like to thank Sango for all the time he spent today sending me the file and helping me burn it. I upgraded my RP56 from 45 to 62.

Just a note when burning: I first tried it at 1X burn speed and it said completed successfully but my RP56 would not read it; it worked OK @ 4X.
It turns out the disc I did @ 1X is still blank although blindwrite said it was successful.

Anyone know what was fixed/improved on the RP56?

Many thanks to Sango and JuiceRocket(AIM download).... gave Sango a break.

Worked like a charm on my 30 and did not need to reset. Will do some evaluating tonight and tomorrow and will give my RP91 a whirl tomorrow too.

looking forward to mimason, re ur 91

So do you think a person with rp91 would need this update. I read one of the comments and someone said not much going on here. What do you think?

I believe your post is referring to Sam. There is some difference but I guess it depends what he's watching.

Best way I can tell is watching an anime which is made in GG. Yes Last Exile is one of them! =)
----------------
JuiceRocket, what's your contact again?!?!?

Originally posted by Sango
I believe your post is referring to Sam. There is some difference but I guess it depends what he's watching.

Best way I can tell is watching an anime which is made in GG. Yes Last Exile is one of them! =)

Yep, that was me ;) Although I look critically, the improvements may be more noticible with certain program material. The setting of Auto3 for deinterlacing mode is definitely my favorite now. Possibly V262 improves upon this. If there's any other "trouble" DVDs that RP91 owners have they would like me to comment on, please let me know.

thnx sam, i was refering to auto 3 too

Well, the RP91 still doesn't do so hot with pure video-based sources, but that's why I have an XP50. I'm more concerned with how it handles bad edits.

Edited started thread.

It looks like CP72 also shares the same firmware as the RP/XP series after a user checked after their upgrade!

I watched a few scenes of Jurassic Park and Star Wars - Episode I prior to and after applying the v302 firmware to my RP82. The color now seems a bit more vibrant and I noticed more details. Based on this, I give the firmware a thumbs up. Thanks again, Sango!

Just gotta "Firmware update too good!!"

Forgot to mention. I see the same similar changes RP56 just like what I saw on my RP82 well after the upgrade.

A must have!!

Sango,

Can i also get the upgrade, my email address is MAXIMUS95GST@YAHOO.COM

Is anyone able to host the 302 firmware?

I checked the 302 firmware on the CP-72 and it works fine. I went from v266 to v302. From the little testing that I've done I can say I've noticed a difference. It may not be huge, but it's a good difference! Anyway, either today or tomorrow I will be doing this on my XP30

Regards,
Jon

Just upgraded BOTH my RP82 and my CP72 worked liek a charm. Big thx goes out to Sango.

Could someone send me the v302 firmware please. MSN messenger account gltaylor74@hotmail.com. Thanks.

Originally posted by NEO2000
Sango,

Can i also get the upgrade, my email address is MAXIMUS95GST@YAHOO.COM

The download links are available on page 17 and 18 of the thread(assuming Default Posts per Thread is on default).

Here is another thanks to Sango! He helped me get the firmware update for my XP30 last night, and the update installed perfectly! I was at v268 prior to the update, and now I am at v302. I had to do some creative image burning, as the Blindwrite program just wouldn't work correctly with my rather old burner... I found a program called Magic ISO which is able to read Blindwrite images, and burn it in a format that was compatible with my burner... After 3 coasters using Blindwrite, the Magic ISO worked like a charm... The firmware cd now had the correct files, and the update ran flawlessly on my XP30! It was getting late, so I was only able to watch Gladiator, and I definitely noticed an improvement. I watched the opening of Toy Story today, and it looked great! Thanks again, talk about going above and beyond the call of duty!!

Originally posted by Sango
Edited started thread.

It looks like CP72 also shares the same firmware as the RP/XP series after a user checked after their upgrade!

Oh, someone beat me to it. Oh well, Sango sent me the update, but I haven't applied it yet. At least now I don't have to worry if it will work or not. :)

I too like to thank Sango for the generousity and unselfish act he has done for sharing this firmware disc with me. It is totally way beyond call of duty. Thank you again Sango!

FYI, I have tried this firmware disc on A310 DVD player. Since A310 was built in 1998, so it has only single laser pickup therefore cannot read CD-R. Only certain brand of CD-RW will work, so I used TDK CD-RW and A310 was able to read it. Unfornately, there was no update screen shown up, so I guess this firmware disc doesn't contain firmwares of those early players, or perhaps there is a different way to update early players. Does anybody know?

BTW, my A310 has already updated once by the Panasonic service center, so its firmware version is U733. According to a Panasonic DVD players link, it is supposedly to be the latest firmware version. Can anyone verify that?

So far, we know this firmware disc will work on multiple Panny DVD players built circa 2001-2002 plus Denon 1600 and will not work on DVD recorders. What about 2003 models of Panny DVD players? Has anyone tried them yet?

hey all, I upgraded my xp30 with the upgrade Sango provided. It went smoothly and is working well!

If anyone needs the upgrade for the xp30/50, pm me. I'm more than happy to send it to you via AIM.

-JR

I just found out(from a my contact of mine) that the disc I have has 26 firmwares on it!! This explains the big size!!

---
Update: CP67 version firmware now added to the thread.

Thanks Sango, the update was flawless (XP30). I've notice an picture improvement too! Definitly worth upgrading!

Dvd seems to start faster too, less search with it's inserted.. 1 or 2 sec max...

I would like to update my RP56. I have a high speed access (cox cable) and a website, but what is AIM? what happened to the idea of posting the file on a website? help!

Anyone have the update for the RP91 or a host link?
I would rather give Sango a break from all the email.
I understand what its like, I did the same thing for members in the under $3500 pj forum when Infocus posted then pulled a firmware upgrade.
Pm for a email addy.
-Jerry

Originally posted by Ingeborgdot
So do you think a person with rp91 would need this update. I read one of the comments and someone said not much going on here. What do you think?

I have a Yamaha S-1200 (sister player to the RP-91) and would like to try the upgrade to see if it smooths out motion some (juddery motion on slower movement and on pans). I'm not sure how I can get the update though, at work we can't have messenger clients and at home I'm on a dial-up (don't laugh :D ), so if someone would be able to host it somewhere (or upload it to a binary newsgroup) that'd be super neat!

Thanks Diode1

A host link is actually on the way. It should be comming maybe by tonight.

EDIT: The download links are available on posts 328 and 348 the thread.

Another big thank you to Sango! I just upgraded my XP30 (previously at v268) with the firmware he so graciously took the time to send me. So far I don't see any real big differences but then again the player was pretty good before so big differences probably aren't where it's at with this update. In any event, it's nice to be up to date and the player certainly doesn't seem to be any worse off at v302.

- Charlie

A big thanks to Tyler Durden for sending me the file and Sango for walking me thru the CD burning process.

Have updated the firmware on XP30 without any problems and it works fine!

Anand

I updated the firmware on my XP50, there were no problems. It now shows version 302. DVD-Audio, DTS 96/24, DTS, DTS-ES and all other DVD's and CD's I've thrown at it still work, no problems. Now to see if there's any PQ difference.

Another successful XP30 update. I did get the completed screen after the reboot. Thank you Sango!!

mimason, sam, pls update me on rp-91 pls, asap..thnx

Originally posted by zoro
mimason, sam, pls update me on rp-91 pls, asap..thnx

Zoro, what kind of update? I posted my upgrade comments on RP91 V259->V262 on page 1 of the thread.

Hi,

I want to jump on the bandwagon! If anyone can IM (MSN) me the file I can host it...at least for a while until my web host smacks me down.

My MSN IM is jjonesx86@msn.com.

Thanks,
Jeff

I just put this on a site-here is the url- there are two -rar and zip- I would try the rar first- you must have winrar download software for the first. This is a test none have been downloaded yet - it may or may not download-lets see. Sango and I did this to try to help everyone out . If it downloads properly then you must use Blindwrite 4.57 to burn the CD on your computer as per Sangos previous instructions. It is only good for about 100 DownLoads.
http://www.cuthbert.lunarpages.com/rp82v302.rar
http://www.cuthbert.lunarpages.com/rp82v302.zip

I would think we would have to do some double blind(lol) tests before we say this firmware actually makes the PQ of the XP-30 (268 firmware version )better. If it does, as some say, then the DVI DVD players might as well hang it up. :) BTW -I have nothing against DVI - I love my Bravo D1.

Well I guess there is no need for me to trasnfer now since the host link is finally available. =)

You guys enjoy the improvement trasnsition =)

HoustonGuy,

Thanks for putting up the link. I just downloaded both files and everything went well with the download. The .zip file only contains the same .rar file you have on the site...wasn't sure if that is what you intended.

Thanks again (to you too Sango)!
Jeff

I'm having trouble finding the burning instructions you mention below. Could someone please re-print them here? Must I use blindwrite 4.57? cd-creator won't work?

Thanks and sorry I'm late to the party.

Best,
jeff

Originally posted by HoustonGuy
I just put this on a site-here is the url- there are two -rar and zip- I would try the rar first- you must have winrar download software for the first. This is a test none have been downloaded yet - it may or may not download-lets see. Sango and I did this to try to help everyone out . If it downloads properly then you must use Blindwrite 4.57 to burn the CD on your computer as per Sangos previous instructions. It is only good for about 200-300 DownLoads.
http://www.cuthbert.lunarpages.com/rp82v302.rar
http://www.cuthbert.lunarpages.com/rp82v302.zip

Correct you must use Blindwrite (http://www.blindwrite.com/download.htm) 4.57. Blindwrite is one of the best powerful recording tools to use(Alcohol 120% is just as equal). CD-Creator is like nothing compared to Blindwrite, same goes to Nero if you want to do perfect copies (which also include protections).

Settings for Blindread:
Put a check in this checkbox: Extract subcodes(if your reader allows it) <- This is how youm make perfect copies of CDs, because of this!!

Settings for Blindwrite:
Writing mode: DAO Pw
Speed: *Lowest as possibe

*note: Don't trust what BW saids on the lowest write speed when you select it. Make sure you're unit actually support it, if not it will write at a higher speed which is the unit's actual lower, or it burns super quick (but it really doesn't burn!).

Originally posted by HoustonGuy
I just put this on a site-here is the url- there are two -rar and zip- I would try the rar first- you must have winrar download software for the first. This is a test none have been downloaded yet - it may or may not download-lets see. Sango and I did this to try to help everyone out . If it downloads properly then you must use Blindwrite 4.57 to burn the CD on your computer as per Sangos previous instructions. It is only good for about 200-300 DownLoads.
http://www.cuthbert.lunarpages.com/rp82v302.rar
http://www.cuthbert.lunarpages.com/rp82v302.zip

Just to be clear, this is NOT the region free firmware, right? Would anyone happen to have a region free v302 for my XP30? :)

Ed

The zip url I uploaded was for those that may have not had rar. It was put up soley to see if it helped. It may have not. As i said it was a test. It appears the rar does work if you download the free winrar. AS to other regions I would hope our Brit, Spanish friends(hopefully they still are) or others can help you.

I downloaded it, un-winrar-ed it. burned with blindwrite 4.5.7.92 with the DAO Pw setting at 2x. Inserting disc into my rp-82 (266 fw) gave me the update screen. selected yes. the disc just sort of sat there for several minutes. the screen then sort of "blinked". the player went back to the dvd splash screen. then it re-read the disc and says disc not read, eject disc.

I guess this is a burn failure? Does this seem right? Player shows still 266 fw.

I'm re-burning at x1. If that fails try different media? I'm using imation cd-r.

Best,
jeff

The firmware upgrade is fot stock units only, no mods. For the mods, you need to know which company made the mod so they can patch it. JVB is one of the mod companies and they helped patched my R3 82 to make it region free again. My unit apparently uses their mod kit after contacting them when I updated mine initially and lost regions because of it.

greeno, if you have online contact, please contact me. Seems like something very fishy and that is not correct. Try at 1x or 4 maybe, but it's werid that it said failure. Maybe the disc did not burn correctly.

Sango,
1x failed also. I think my burns are bogus. It could be the burner. It's a couple of years old. But I have burned LOTS for boot disc for my sigma 8500 clone and successfully flashed it a number of times. I'm surprised this fw is so fussy.

Could it be that my drive doesn't support that writing mode?

Any other ideas?

Best,
jeff

Chances are it doesn't support the writing mode which can also mean your burner is out of date.

If you put a check mark on DAO Pw in the CD Writer(not the final burn window) window when it wasn't checked by default, that's going to be the problem. This is because the BW has already detected your CD Burner features and found out the mode isn'ts supported, therefore it wouldn't of shown up on the burn screen. Putting the check mark in will force the unit to use something it doesn't have.

Try using DAO Pq or the very last resort SAO Cooked. Then you probably have to go to a friend's house and use their burner to use the Pw.

Hope this helps

Hey Guys,
I just wanted to say, "Thanks Sango". I also updated my CP72 with this firmware and it worked like magic. Sango actually did me a huge favor and walked me through the process on how to burn the disc and use blindwrite. It was actually about 1 am, and Sango didn't mind helping me, said he couldn't sleep, what a guy! This just shows how helpful these forums, and the people here on these forums like SANGO can be. I actually told a friend about the firmware and updated his RP56, boy was he happy. He also says, "Thanks Sango." Seems like a lot of people here are updating there firmware, and all for free. I remember calling one of the private repair centers that was authorized by Panasonic a few weeks ago. I asked them if they could update the firmware on my unit, and they replied by saying, "What's that!" After explaining some more, the guy finally understood and said, "Yeah, I can do that,". I ask him how it would be done, and he replies, "I hook up a small device to the INSIDE of the unit, drink some coffee and it's done," me: How much? he says, "$40" Of course I wasn't gonna do that so I said no thanks. I might have done it, had he not mentioned the part about drinking coffee, but that blew it for me. Now THANKS TO SANGO, I got it done for free, so I'm happy!

I can see a bit of a difference in pic quality after the update. Just like others have said, colors are more vibrant, disc actually loads a bit faster, and the main point is that the update didn't do the player(s) any harm, so it must be good. I've only had a chance to watch a few movies, so hopefully I'll notice some more differences, and when I do, I'll be sure to post my results here. Thanks again to all you guys here at AVS for your much appreciated help.

Originally posted by zoro
mimason, sam, pls update me on rp-91 pls, asap..thnx


I have to agree with Sam. I really do not see any video improvements from 259 to 262....not that there are none but it's just not obvious to me.

I will say that the user menu really is in turbo charge now with almost no delay. It's worth the update just for that.

Hello, I have a CP72 and wanted to try the firmware. I downloaded the tools you require, but have some questions.

Originally posted by Sango
Settings for Blindread:
Put a check in this checkbox: [B]Extract subcodes(if your reader allows it) <- This is how youm make perfect copies of CDs, because of this!! Where is this?

Settings for Blindwrite:
Writing mode: DAO Pw
Where is this?


Also, what should I use for "Settings" (Automatic?, ISO Image?, ...)?

I'm using blindwrite 5.1.5.132.

Thanks,
John Flegert

Ok guys with the Rp91 and the new 262 update.
Could i ask you to share the wealth. ;)
If you can email it that would be great
cyber16@comcast.net or a link would also work.
-Jerry

Originally posted by Diode1
Ok guys with the Rp91 and the new 262 update.
Could i ask you to share the wealth. ;)
If you can email it that would be great
cyber16@comcast.net or a link would also work.
-Jerry

The download link that HoustonGuy posted will have the RP91 firmware in it, even though it's called RP82V302.

Originally posted by Diode1
Ok guys with the Rp91 and the new 262 update.
Could i ask you to share the wealth. ;)
If you can email it that would be great
cyber16@comcast.net or a link would also work.
-Jerry


You can get it from anyone willing here. It's the same update as the 82,62,72,1600,30,50 etc.

I'd do it but only have dial-up, so you may want do AIM with someone else since email won't work.

If you read the posts several are willing to forward via AIM.

Thanks guys, I did d-load that rp82v302.zip
But the file being labeled as rp82v302 within had me confused.
A huge that you to all involved in the release of this new update.
And a special thank you to Sango

Greeno- I had a similar problem, I have a rather old Philips burner that did not support Blindwrite DAO Pw burning... I found a free program called Win ISO that will read the Blindwrite image file and burn successfully with my Philips burner.. Now maybe I got lucky, but it did work for me...

Will Nero not burn a disc correctly? I'm not sure why if not. Has anyone checked the various ISO modes supported by Nero? Is the uncompressed data in some special format that a pure burn/copy to a disc won't work and some special formatting required? I will use Blindwrite if required but I'd like to understand this better.

Thanks again to Sango/others!
dagger

Hi jflegert:

As I've mentioned in my thread, use Blindwrite 4.57. The reason is because in the 5, the advanced features which I'm talking about are missing so this is why I specifically mentioned the particular version.
-----------------

Hi Dagger:

Nero can't read BW format, except the the other way is true. Nero can most likely copy if it I made the image using Nero but I don't trust it because it doesn't copy subcodes. It will copy but there isn't any guarentee that it's copied exactly perfectly like the original.

An example would be copying some disc which has a some protection which looks for something at a certain location on the disc. Without subcodes, you can copy fine. However, when it comes to trying to test the disc, you'll end up with a disc which doesn't work and i'll give an error message or saids, please insert the disc etc.... With subcodes, none of that.
--------------------------------------------------

I found two very good tuitorials reguarding the read/write methods using BW 4.57. They are very useful. I remember the BW site originally had it and it's gone.

I suggest that users should read very throrougly through them to fully understand understand Blindwrite and it's features why it makes it a very powerful recording tool.

Link 1 (http://users.pandora.be/soulmaniacs/blindwrite.html#section_11)
Link 2 (http://www.cdfreaks.com/article/90/9)

Note: I aimed the two links intentionally to the writing page to get that question out of the way but you should read from the very beginning afterwards.

This is why in the post, use Blindread - read subcodes and Blindwrite - DAO Pw. Both of these in combination will be the key pointers in making a pefect 1:1 copy. It does mentioned about the SAO mode thing but it's very technical which I don't understand so it should be fine with what I mentioned above.

Sango

For people having problem with Blindwrite 4.57, like myself (my LiteOn CD-RW writer was not recognized by Blindwrite 4.57), use version 5 should be fine, at least for the RP82/XP30 firmware part anyway. Because Sango made the file in version 4 format, be sure to select version 4 format when you are looking for the file in your directory.

Seems like Omikron's case is ok in this case for the firmware. Just note, that if you want to copy CDs(which have protection) then you definately want the 4 for the advacned features.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have completely redone the start thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=378689&perpage=20&pagenumber=1) which list the latest firmware versions of the players.

pls do include denon too

Done!

Hi everybody

Ok, I just upgrade my xp30 to the firmware version 302 (from 268). Thanks to help from Sango, Tyler, and all the supportive forum members. The upgrade went through smoothly as described. This is my observation after the upgrade:
Picture quality: not much different (unidentifiable)
SVCD: play perfect, perfect picture. Before the upgrade, the unit would not play properly: jerky, blocky picture, pixilation
VCD: better picture quality than before upgrade. Some vcd disc would not play properly before the upgrade

Have not try mp3. But the unit handle the mp3 well even before the upgrade.

Now my question is I also have the Panny PV32, can I also use this firmware to upgrade it also?

Hi nguyenphananh:

All applicable units for the update are listed on the start thread which I revised today. I'm not sure what PV32 is but I assume you are referring to RV32.

Depending on your setup on the XP30 and what you're watching, you should see the difference in the PQ as other users have reported. I'm glad it to hear that it improved other things like VCD as you mentioned.

Sango

you were right Sango, it was a RV32. According to your list, the upgrade firmware should be 440...I did a quick search for this file..nothing came up. By any chance, you know the link for that new 440 firmware? thanks in advance

Thanks to Sango for the firmware. My RP-56 was successfully upgraded from 45->62. I have not gone through any extensive tests and didn't have any problems in the past except with a SVCD I tried once. If I can find it I'll give it a try but other than that I didn't notice anything major.

Thanks Sango!
I've also updated my RP56 from 45 to 62.

My player was region free et macrovision (with the panasonic service disk #2 trick) and after the update it stays that way. I just test a region3 NTSC DVD, I'm assuming the macrovision is off also.

Beside that I did not do any test yet. I wonder what they fixed ... maybe the cross-color suppression filter is set lower?

EL

Hi nguyenphananh:

The firmware for the RV32 is actually in the firmware disc itself. They are all merged in file so you can't pick out which one is which so you'll be basically getting a package deal with all those updates one the disc.

On page 6 of the thread, there is the host link for you to download the firmware and burn it to the disc (assuming you know the instructions which is mentioned in the thread).
----------------------------------
Hi EL:

I think you mean your player is made region/macro free after the svc disc 2, not was!! Had me a bit confused there for a sec. =) Do you have the original or the copied one (I have the original)?

Also, which region is your unit? I noticed for some strange reason my RP56(R1), after the upgrade and svc 2 disc trick, the unit's default region is now 2 instead of 1!! Strange huh?, but it's still region/macrofree. Just curious if your unit saids that too or it stay on it's original region. Maybe it jumped on me because I invoked the reset sequence.
---------------------------------

I'll just mentioned it again. PQ did change with the RP56 with the color rendering and the details, just like the other units. Go watch Last Exile (http://www.lastexiledvd.com/), Chobits (http://www.chobitsdvd.com/index.html) and a bunch of other anime which are made in CG because you can easily see differences that way. =)

BTW for the anime fans: I just obtained Chobits 7th volume yesturday and did notice a difference before the update as well. Just watching the opening of the show is good enough to notice the changes. Oh yes!! it does have the pencil board. =)

I guess you guys can go ahead and test anything on your players to see if the firmware has made other changes which you haven't noticed before and post, then will combine it to summarize the changes.

Thanks for the observations and comments so far! =)

Sango

Last Exile and Chobits are just gorgeous anime series to begin with. I didn't get a chance to do a direct "before and after" comparison as I did this update last week (thanks to Sango of course) but they still exlemplify the exceptional PQ of these players and their updates.

Sango,
I finally got a good burn, used the SAO cooked option. You were right that I was trying to force an unavailable option.

PQ IS better, but my 1080i upconverter still wins. As others have said, loader is faster. Thanks for all of your work.

Best,
jeff

Originally posted by greeno
PQ IS better, but my 1080i upconverter still wins.

What 1080i player are you referring to, Jeff?

Sam,
I've got a Dreamx-108 (a CO-108 chinese clone). It (and it's many relatives) are discussed here on the Introduction page (http://sigma-players.nd.e-wro.pl/) . I'm convinced they are all basically the same (or course differentiated by DVI or not) and differ in the level of firmware support. LiteOn and Momitsu seem to be the best. I'm tied to Elta's (www.elta.de) offering. It's MV free and region free. Supports PAL, NTSC, 480i,p, 720p and 1080i. And it has a very useful zoom for non-anamorphics.

Best,
jeff

Ah yes. I own a LiteOn. As discussed before, I think the quality of your display's ability to handle certain formats will ultimately decide your preference, i.e. if your Tosh doesn't do good 480p->540p conversion from RP82, 1080i player might be better.

I still think the RP82/XP30/50 are better players overall, with smoother frequeny response, chroma and deinterlacing. Of course, the Sigma players have few cool things going for 'em ;)

Back to our regularly scheduled thread.....

Roger that Sam. One more small diversion. My ultimate player is an upconverter with good motion adaptive de-interlacing. That's the only thing missing the dreamx. Mostly it's invisible on anamorphics. But if I have to zoom, then some really nasty NTSC artifacts jump out.

Best,
jeff

Thanks Sango!

I've upgraded my XP-30 from 268 to 302 with no problems.

I downloaded the .zip from HoustonGuy's post. I was surprised that it contained the .rar archived file as I was expecting the three files needed to make the image. So anyway I downloaded the trial version of winrar and extracted the .BWI .BWS and .BWT files. I then used Alcohol 120% 's Image Burning Wizard to burn the CD at 16x speed. I let the program pick the settings (DAO/SAO Write Method. It also looked like it picked Rectify SubChannel Data, but I'm not sure as the selection had a check mark and was also greyed out. - Possibly to prevent this setting from being changed?) Took 1 minute 15 seconds to burn on my Plextor PX-708A.

I put the disk into the XP-30 and it displayed that I needed to update my firmware and gave the yes/no option on the screen. I selected yes and the screen displayed "Up-date in process" "Please wait a moment." It was more than a moment, but when it was done, a message said something like "Complete. Please remove disk."

--
Rick

Hi Waja:

Great to hear your experience. Yup Alcohol 120% is also equal to Blindwrite so that's ok to use. Hehe people get a bit nervous when it they get the wait screen when the update does take about 5-10 minutes. Glad to hear you didn't get a glitch.

Hope to see what differences you noticed as well.

Sango

I just upgraded my firmware for the RP62. Everything went smoothly. Noticed that it disabled my progressive scan, but that was easy to fix. Colours seem to be more saturated with more contrast and the commands seem to act quicker. Is that all possible? or is it in my head? Will update my RP56 next. Thank you Sango! your a good guy!

Sango,
I have a copy. And yes my player is macrovision and region free.
My RP56 is R1 ...
When I do PAUSE + EJECT + 6 on remote:

1_NN_143

so it's region 1 first N = NO pal, Second N = NTSC
143?

Thanks again!

EL

I upgraded my CP72 and 1600 last night. I haven't had time to evaluate the picture quality.

Is there any chance the firmware upgrade would solve H02 errors?

My CP72 was in storage in my basement due to intermitent H02 errors. I tried a DVD several times and got H02 errors. I tried the update disc, and got an H02 error. I took off the lid, inserted the update disc, started the disc spinning by hand, and the upgrade process started and completed successfully. Once the upgrade was complete, I tried the original DVD again, and didn't get any H02 errors; Was this just a coincidence?

Regards,
John Flegert

Thanks Sango and others who helped put the links and info together. I upgraded my Denon 1600 last night, and it went smoothly. Your help was much appreciated!

PS - does that patch also make my player region free?

Cliff

Thanks Sango & HoustonGuy.
I updated my RP-82 from 300 to 302 last night without a problem.
I was getting nervous when the "Wait a moment" turned out to be a long time. I was happy with 300, so I don't know if I'll notice any changes or not.

Jeff

After applying the 262 update to my R1 RP91 I can no longer play Region 1 DVD's. Every time I put one in it says incorrect region. Is there something I'm doing wrong?

Originally posted by almostinsane
After applying the 262 update to my R1 RP91 I can no longer play Region 1 DVD's. Every time I put one in it says incorrect region. Is there something I'm doing wrong?
Did you try to pull the power cable?
This should take care of it.

I've downloaded the disk image and Blindwrite, but was wondering whether there is something about this disk that requires this format. Could this be turned into an ISO image and burned with a generic burner program, or is there something odd about the image?

Remember guys after the update you have to redo your settings. For example setting the player to 16:9 and progressive.

Hi El
Yup your region didn't switch on you it sounds like =). The 143 is just a number, according to my diagnostic sheet it didn't mentinon what the numbers mean but I also have those 3 numbers. My unit now saids 2 NN 143 on my R1 unit for some strange reason.
-----------------
Hi almostinsane:

Perform the reset sequence which I posted on page 3 of the thread to fix up your region issue.
----------------
acourvil:

There is nothing special about the disc but I always use BW for copying purposes. I can do it in Nero for ISO but I don't trust using it for that purpose, not when it can't copy/burn subcodes anyway. With BW it does so you can get a perfect copy.

Thanks Sango and others who helped put the links and info together. I upgraded my Denon 1600 last night, and it went smoothly. Your help was much appreciated!

wow, that would be divine cliff!

I'll be trying this on my CP67 tonight or after the weekend, depending on when I get time. I'll report my findings when it's complete.

Sango:

I guess you can't change the title of this thread. As a suggestion, in the beginning of your firmware list, shouldn't you hightlight the Denon 1600 or make public aware that this firmware disc also works for Denon 1600?

Originally posted by Sango

Hi almostinsane:

Perform the reset sequence which I posted on page 3 of the thread to fix up your region issue.
----------------


Hey thanks for the help! I'll do this when I get home tonight.

After some tension moments (and the region reset), my XP50 is all set on firmware 302. Thanks much!

Chris

I ran the update on my CP67, however the firmware number remains 032 which is what it said before the update. I don't observe any changes, except the player no longer recognises the update disk.

Any ideas?

Has anyone tried to burn the disk with Padus Disk Juggler? Just wondering if it would work. JR

Sango you are THE MAN. Downloaded the 50meg file and decompresed with winrar. Blindwrite was not compatible with my burner(NEC1300A). Converted file to .ISO with MagicIso then burned easily with Nero. My brand new RP-82 updated to firmware 302 easily and just the way you described. Reset- Setup- Tested. Can describe the image improvement with one word; SWEET. Details, Colors, Darks, are all refined and retuned. Nice work and Thanks to all the people that support and help make this forum possible.

could someone explain the procedure for checking the current firmware on the denon dvd-1600 and also how do i reset to region 1 after i upgrade the frimware, thanks

I've also uploaded the file to my server in case someone needs another download site.
http://www.iabpff.org/blair/rp82v302.rar

Thanks- Vtb2- mine has reached capacity.

no problem, mine is a private server with no restrictions.

I've finished the upgrade, went smooth, reset the player back to region 1, i threw in a copy of LOTR I, right away i noticed that the picture quality looked smoother, colors appear more natural than before, i've got a denon 1600 and hitachi 46F500, i'm impressed with the improvement, i will take some time to let it settle in with more discs. Does anyone know if this upgrade will allow the denon to play dvd+r & +rw?

This was indeed a gift to get this download. thanks Sango. I will leave this file on my server indefinitely. Feel free to post the link.
cheers

http://www.iabpff.org/blair/rp82v302.rar

Sango - many thanks - updated my RP82 tonight. Went smooth including getting the upgrade complete screen.

Now, anybody know where I can get a copy of the f/w image for my A310 player?

Cheers,
dagger

Hi vmark:
It seems like the update didn't update properly as it's saying it's not reconizing hte disc properly so most likely it didn't do anything. You may need to reburn the disc properly if it wasn't to see if ithat fixes the problem.

I remember another member on the forum had a similar issue on a different unit and did get that fixed up afterwards.
-----------------------------
Hi Vtb2:

The way to perform the reset sequence and check the firmware is the same as performing it on the Panasonic units.
-----------------------------

Hi Dagger:

There is no update for the A310 since it's the first dvd player to be released.
-----------------------------

Reguarding the reset sequence, it bascially resets the whole unit by flushing out everything. This fixes issues like the unexpected such as the regions, the F###(some number) error and any other hiccups which may have occurred after the upgrade.

BTW- for those xp-30 and xp-50 owners the way to check your firmware version: Press pause and open ON the UNIT PLAYER buttons simultaneously and hold down, then press 7 on the remote. The LAST 3 digits displayed on the unit LCD screen is your firmware version. This may work for RP82 and other Panny DVD players - others have to confirm that.

The firmware check works for all Panasonic players, which also does include the Denon 1600.

Reguarding the update disc, the one sent is the most recent from what my contact has told me.

Sango

Will Secrets Shootout retest the Pannys after firmware update as they have so diligently and fawningly(just kidding Kris Deering!-you are good) have done a lot of the Denon players? Actually you hate to redo the Liz Taylor Diamond- there is only one. I think I'll post that query- Somebody has to be the bad boy everyone hates and you know I will stand up to the challenge. I hate Robots, although T2 SE was a great movie.

This update worked successfully with my Yamaha S-1200 (RP-91 based player). I got the black screen when it was done and the region code error but the reset worked fine. I was at FW 236 and it's now updated to 262. What I've noticed so far is no real change in overall PQ as far as crispness and colors, but those were always very good and that's not why I tried the update. The only problem I've ever had with this player besides some combing on certain material is that motion judder is pretty noticeable (especially on slow pans, which most DVD players I've seen show to some extent) but it's kind of 'in your face' with this player. A good test is on X-2 chapter 3 (Alkali Lake) with the slow pan across the barbed wire. The player that always handles this best on my standalones is my Panasonic RV-31 (older interlaced player) which while not the crispest player seems to have the best motion handling. The timing seems slightly off with the S-1200 and also my JVC XV-S500 which gives it a pronounced "stop and start" feel which is pretty distracting (at least for me, as I'm pretty sensitive to judder, stutter and choppy movement, which doesn't seem to bother a lot of people but I really notice it).

After I applied the update I A/B'd the S-1200 with the RV-31 and the S-1200 *seems* to be smoother (progressive on, using auto 1) with that and other slow pans (there's a few good ones in X-2) but I'll give it a few days with different material to make sure it's not a 'psychosomatic improvement' in my case ;) and report back later.

Sango, thank you very much for providing the update and thanks HoustonGuy and Vtb2 for hosting it!

Just wanted to thank Sango for providing the update, as well as HoustonGuy and Vtb2 for hosting it. This is what makes this such a great community.

Successfully updated an XP30 and an RP56 (but haven't really had a chance to see what differences it makes)

Regards,
Rich

I updated my RP-91 as well. No problem at all. I was also happy to find that the upgrade didn't disturb the region and macrovision disabling previously done w/the service disc.

So one more thanks for Sango. Actually two more, because I believe we have Sango to thank for clueing us in on the service disc as well.

Steve

Hi,

Can someone please provide a link to where i can download the RP91 262 software.

-thank you-

Just go back to page 9
Those rp82v302 file links also cover all the models within it.
Just burn it and apply.

50MEG!!

Not a good time to still be on dial-up.

Thanks, i'll try it later tonight.

I get the impression that attempting any burn with Toast on a Mac will not work. Anyone find a way to adjust the image for Toast? I undo the .zip & rar and get a folder with the 3 files (BWI,BWS,BWT end names)
E

It's most likely possible it won't burn on a mac because I'm assuming users are on a IBMs.

Thanks Sango
Previous versions were available in iso that worked well in toast, just curious. I'd bet someone will give it a try at some point.
E

I am going to try this on my RP-62 once I download it and burn it. Anything that I need to worry about guys ? Thanks to Sango and everyone. :)

I too have an RP-62. Let me know how it works out. :)

atom_b

Just want to remind users to read carefully because certain questions have already been talked about and it's getting a bit redudant when these are posted in the forums and especially when I get them on my PM.

Originally posted by Sango
Just want to remind users to read carefully because certain questions have already been talked about and it's getting a bit redudant when these are posted in the forums and especially when I get them on my PM..

Sango,
You may want to edit some of your posts and make announcement updates in your first post. Some peeps will start with the first post and as of now they will run into your post about the need to PM you pretty early.

Rick

Has anyone else seen any real difference after upgrading the RP-91 to 262.

Can anyone confirm less combing.

Thanx, and good job to Sango!!

I just updated the firmware for my RP62, everything went very smoothly. It updated from 051 to 073.
When you load the CD in the player, the menu comes on the screen asking if you want to update the firmware. You click yes. It takes about a minute or minute and half. A red bar is created on the top on the screen. Then it says updated completed.
I played couple of DVDs after setting the menu for 16:9 etc. It plays fine, I havent tested for PQ difference yet. I will do that later tonight.

All in all, many thanks to Sango, he has been helping me thru AIM relentlessly. He is the hero for the Panny firmware update.

Worked great on my CP72. Firmware went from 282 to 302. I initially got an error that the player couldn't read the CD, but I just loaded it up again and it went smoothly after that. Thanks for all the tips about winwar and blindwrite.

Thanks waja, I fixed the thread and now edit them to say host link on the beginning pages. I've also removed white color text off(except for the starting thread) because some uses have different color schemes which makes it hard to read.

Space, I'm not sure but I didn't see a red bar when I update the firmware. Must of been something werid!

Sango, everything seems to work fine. I am playing different DVDs, and they play fine. If something goes wrong, I will reset it.

Just wanted to chalk up another smooth RP82 upgrade. Got the "Upgrade Complete" screen and double checked that 302 was now showing instead of my previous 266. Did a reset for good measure.

Thanks to Sango for supplying the upgrade!
Thanks to Vtb2 for keeping the host up for my d/l!

I've created a half-dozen coasters so far.

Anybody have a workable solution for burning this disc using a Mac?

The RAR decompresses to a folder with three files:

MEIAVCCODSDCPDDVDPDFD000001000.BWI

MEIAVCCODSDCPDDVDPDFD000001000.BWS

MEIAVCCODSDCPDDVDPDFD000001000.BWT

Are these the files that need to go to the CD, or is further "processing" needed? Do the files go as the complete folder or as separate files (extracted from the folder)?

AND, what disc format? I've tried ISO, data, etc.

Just a little frustrating.... Thabks for any help.

Hi SonyCrusader:

I'm just curious if you read carefully because the instructions are in the thread.

Yes, they need to be futher processed as discussed since you have to burn the image on to the disc(which explains the 3 files) using Blindwrtie. I don't think it works on Mac because one user had trouble using it so you have to be using an IBM machine.

Sango

Originally posted by SonyCrusader
I've created a half-dozen coasters so far.

Anybody have a workable solution for burning this disc using a Mac?



I'd be happy to send you dmg conversion of the original disk. I used blindwrite to create a disk that I used to update my XP30 (thank you again Sango) and I've created a dmg under Mac OS X. I've tested a disk burned from the dmg and it does get to the splash screen for the update ... I can't test any further than that since I don't have another player to upgrade. The disk does appear to be identical to the original so it should work (standard disclaimer applies of course). PM me if you want me to upload the dmg somewhere for you.

- Charlie

I too just updated my RP-62 and I like spaceist, saw what was like a progress bar move across the top half of the screen. The bar was bright pink and stopped halfway across the screen. About a min later the screen when black, I saw "CLOSE" on the DVD player's readout and then "Update Complete, eject disc" popped up on the screen.

I did the pause+open, 7 on remote version check and voila version 073!

Thanks Sango!

atom_b

Originally posted by spaceist
Sango, everything seems to work fine. I am playing different DVDs, and they play fine. If something goes wrong, I will reset it.

Why is blindwrite being used anyways? It seems from the Mac OS X conversion results, it isn't copy protected. Anyone want to host the Mac OS X .dmg version (or a Nero .nrg version)?

So, who notices real improvements with their RP91s?

"Just want to remind users to read carefully because certain questions have already been talked about and it's getting a bit redudant when these are posted in the forums and especially when I get them on my PM."

Hey that's the price of being famous and being everyone's hero (-:
What's this service disc someone mentioned to remove region coding or macrovision?

Come on. Sango should not have to repeat the same answers to the same questions over and over again here and worse, via private mail. It's just going to make Sango have second thoughts about posting something like this in the future if he knows it means he'll spend the next few days answering the same basic questions over and over again.

Plus, if your asking a question that has already been clearly answered in the thread one or more times, it means your not bothering to be careful and are a prime candidate to hose your DVD player.


Originally posted by Vtb2
"Just want to remind users to read carefully because certain questions have already been talked about and it's getting a bit redudant when these are posted in the forums and especially when I get them on my PM."

Hey that's the price of being famous and being everyone's hero (-:
What's this service disc someone mentioned to remove region coding or macrovision?

Sango,

Thank you for all of your effort. The directions were a breeze. CP72 now at 302, great! Thanks also to the poster who hosted the file. I love this forum!

Hi Vtb2:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=323621&highlight=sango <-- I believe you were talking about this reguarding the service disc which works on some models only.

---
Thanks Stephen:

Well I don't really get into second thoughts that easily but I do at least expect people to read carefully instead of skim reading.

Sango

After dealing with Sango extensively on this Panny firmware , I must say he has gone beyond the call of duty and deserves a special award. My ingrained insanity and wildness would have kicked in a long time ago. As if it not already has.

Was some one able to REGION FREE their RP-91 by firmware? and does RP-91 does pal to ntsc too?thnx

Zoro, I'm pretty sure you need the Panasonic Service disc #2 to do the region free, and I 99.99% sure the RP91 would be unable to do PAL->NTSC without a hardware mod, and even that is iffy.

Well, I've tried, three separate discs now since the original on my CP67... one burned with a better quality burner and media with Blindwrite and another burned on an eMac from a dmg file. All of them load to 3 0's on the player then the display flickers and I see all 5 0's and the Panasonic DVD logo background. Any attempt to play the upgrade discs fails. The player still seems to play all my other media fine, but the firmware remains 032.

Oh well, no loss, no gain, I guess.

I think, I concur with your prob Sam!!

Well, this has been quite a frenzy of activity in our little community! It is always interesting to observe the effect finding ways to improve Home Theater has on fanatics ;) .

Sango - nice work and great help!!!!

I am a bit surprised that no one has asked this particular question before. Before I stick the disc into my Denon 1600, I want to make sure I burned it and got everything I need. My CD shows 94.3 MB and has the following files:

- A VIDEO_TS folder

- A file named "DVPPUPDT.FRM"

-A folder titled "MEI_DVDP" and inside are 2 files titled:
- MDP010_FRM
- MDP010_1.PGC

Is this the correct mix, or am I missing something?

There have been a few folks weigh in with the update on the 1600. Are there anymore and do we actually know what the firmware update does?

Hi everybody

I have my XP30 and RV32 upgraded couple days ago (thanks to Sango and Tyler helped). I already post the improvements, "tricks" that the units would be able to do after the upgraded. Well, today I just found out that the upgraded units would also play DVD+R....you all know that Panny's unit dont play DVD+R....but with the upgrade..they will play anything...wow...thank you everybody and keep testing...:)

Hi Ray:

Yes the files are correct, assuming you mean the video folder also has files as well. The improvements on the 1600 is about the same as all the other units are experiencing which has been mentioned on the thread before with the "stunts!!".

Sango

Just did the upgrade to my XP30. Haven't had a chance to view a DVD though...
Thanks to everyone who contributed.

I had a quick question (and forgive me if I missed this during my two trips through this thread)... Has anyone noticed if the layer change time has improved at all? Just curious...

Hmm interesting question. I haven't tested that out myself. Maybe people got a movie to watch and you guys see =)

Sango:

I'll be sure to post my impressions (including the layer change) once I take a test run with v. 302 :D

I'm interested to see if my relatively newbie home theater eyes will notice any improvements.

i've tried burning a video on dvd+r and it wouldn't play on my denon 1600, anyone else try the 1600 for dvd+r?

I did +R, +RW, both worked fine!! in nut shell, it played almost all formats

interesting, what type of +r discs are you using. btw for the mac users that can't deal with the original files in the .rar, here's a link to an uncompressed iso, and a compressed iso (zipped with winzip)

uncompressed iso file 96 megs (http://www.iabpff.org/blair/rp82v302.iso)

compressed iso (http://www.iabpff.org/blair/rp82v302.exe) this was compressed with winzip, if a mac can deal with winzipped file this one is smaller 50megs. just double click on the .exe and it will extract, this one includes the instructions.

Use what cd burning software you have that burns iso files, these files will work with a PC as well, for anyone who had problems dealing with blindwrite, try nero work great.
blair

Thanks to all, particularly Sango......I was successfully able to update the firmware version of my XP30

Fo my ease, i had collected the various instructions etc posted by different people in this thread to understand the process (very simple process on the hindsight :) )

I am pasting all the info in this post below, so others may be able to get it all in one place:

BTW- for those xp-30 and xp-50 owners the way to check your firmware version: Press pause and open ON the UNIT PLAYER buttons simultaneously and hold down, then press 7 on the remote. The LAST 3 digits displayed on the unit LCD screen is your firmware version. This may work for RP82 and other Panny DVD players - others have to confirm that.

***********************************************************
The .rar file is compressed. You have to unzip it and then burn the contents. Sango suggested Blindwrite to burn it. I used it and it worked great.
***********************************************************
You need WinRar to extract the rar files.

Use Blindwrite v4.57 to burn the image.
- use writing method DAO Pw (best writing method)

*************************************************

use winrar to unzip it. then use blindwrite to burn it. When it is unzipped the files are coded as blindwrite files - at least they were for me. Then you open blindwrite search the directory where you unzipped to and it will detect the files. Note - it will only show 1 of the 3 files that you unzipped but as long as all 3 files are in the same directory selecting only the 1 file is fine. Then burn.
************************************************************ ***************************************************

Correct you must use Blindwrite 4.57. Blindwrite is one of the best powerful recording tools to use(Alcohol 120% is just as equal). CD-Creator is like nothing compared to Blindwrite, same goes to Nero if you want to do perfect copies (which also include protections).

Settings for Blindread:
Put a check in this checkbox: Extract subcodes(if your reader allows it) <- This is how youm make perfect copies of CDs, because of this!!

Settings for Blindwrite:
Writing mode: DAO Pw
Speed: *Lowest as possibe
**********************************************

As I've mentioned in my thread, use Blindwrite 4.57. The reason is because in the 5, the advanced features which I'm talking about are missing so this is why I specifically mentioned the particular version.
-----------------


Nero can't read BW format, except the the other way is true. Nero can most likely copy if it I made the image using Nero but I don't trust it because it doesn't copy subcodes. It will copy but there isn't any guarentee that it's copied exactly perfectly like the original.

An example would be copying some disc which has a some protection which looks for something at a certain location on the disc. Without subcodes, you can copy fine. However, when it comes to trying to test the disc, you'll end up with a disc which doesn't work and i'll give an error message or saids, please insert the disc etc.... With subcodes, none of that.
--------------------------------------------------

I found two very good tuitorials reguarding the read/write methods using BW 4.57. They are very useful. I remember the BW site originally had it and it's gone.

I suggest that users should read very throrougly through them to fully understand understand Blindwrite and it's features why it makes it a very powerful recording tool.

Link 1 http://users.pandora.be/soulmaniacs/blindwrite.html#section_11
Link 2 http://www.cdfreaks.com/article/90/9

Note: I aimed the two links intentionally to the writing page to get that question out of the way but you should read from the very beginning afterwards.

This is why in the post, use Blindread - read subcodes and Blindwrite - DAO Pw. Both of these in combination will be the key pointers in making a pefect 1:1 copy. It does mentioned about the SAO mode thing but it's very technical which I don't understand so it should be fine with what I mentioned above.

************************************************************ ***************

For people having problem with Blindwrite 4.57, like myself (my LiteOn CD-RW writer was not recognized by Blindwrite 4.57), use version 5 should be fine, at least for the RP82/XP30 firmware part anyway. Because Sango made the file in version 4 format, be sure to select version 4 format when you are looking for the file in your directory.

*********************************************


It has come to my attention that several users are not experiencing the completed screen when the firmware is done updating as it simply displays a black screen after restarting itself. They begin to worry that their unit is gone which insn't true - the final complete screen seems to have glitched out. I didn't experience the issue with my RP82 or 56 thou.

Another issue is which is occuring is being unable to play the player's own region.

I suggest all owners who upgraded their firmware to perform the reset sequence if they gotten the completed screen or not to eliminate issues which may come up.

Simply take out the firmware disc and power the unit off and on again.

Perform the following:
On the unit
- hold PAUSE + BWD-SKIP + OPEN for about 3 seconds

The display will display initialization
- when initialization is being displayed, let go of PAUSE and press STOP while holding the other two buttons.

The display will then display reset.

This will completely reset the unit and it's back to normal =)

Hello to everyone, and thank you to Sango for providing the firmware update for my RP-91. It looks like everything went well, I checked to see if the correct version is installed, and it is (262). However, I am experiencing the "incorrect region" problem and can't play any DVDs anymore. I tried to use the "reset" method you showed in the following manner:

- Power on with no disc inserted
- Hold down Bwd Skip and Pause while pressing Open

The tv screen flickers and then displays "initialized" and the DVD player screen says "INITIALIZE"

- I then release Open and Press Stop

But, I don't get a "Reset" message; the player just seems to know that I pressed Stop.

Then I tried to play several DVDs, still, nothing. I even tried to unplug the power cable.

Did I do something wrong?

I've owned my RP-91 ever since it first was released back in mid 2001 and have never had trouble with it until I just now updated the firmware.

If anyone can offer any assistance, I would be in your debt. It would be a shame to junk a player that I spent over 500 bucks on!

well considering the trouble some may be having understanding blindwrite, that the reason i made .iso files from the disc. just download those and burn and go. (-:

Originally posted by usna2k
- I then release Open and Press Stop

But, I don't get a "Reset" message; the player just seems to know that I pressed Stop.

The reset procedure calls for releasing PAUSE and pressing STOP. Try that instead.

Man, don't I feel dumb now. Thanks :-) You were right, I was misreading...it worked!

No problem. I only wish I could figure out what happened with my player (cp67)

The update ran through fine (but I didn't get a "completed" screen), I performed the reset, but my version remains 032. It still works as well as before, anyway.

I did not get a completed screen either. I figured out the reason. My XP30 was connected to infocus X1 through component-VGA and progressive setting was on. After the update the dvd player went back to default non-progressive mode. X1 does not allow interlaced signal through component-VGA connection. I would have gotten the completed screen if the XP30 were connected to X1 through component-svideo (interlaced mode).

I'm connected to my 46" Sony through component, but it allows interlaced... so I still don't know.

The weird thing is that now the player won't recognise the update disk.

Thanks to Sango and all here. A special nod to Nick who provided me with a local copy.
Did the reset and did not notice the word reset at the end, just No Disk. All seems fine.
Only difference I've noticed so far is faster navigation. 236 to 262
E

Took a long time to DL for me, too. Didn't help that with just 5 meg to go AOL friggin' crashed for me. AOL. Joke. Restarted the download with IE and went to bed!

Anyway, for MAC USERS downloading the compressed file: It has an .exe extension. If it won't self-expand when double-clicked, just change the file extension to .zip and you should be all set if you have a zip decompression tool installed.

Ok, Mac people:

WHAT should this CD be burned as? Got the files extracted fine it seems, with "firmware instructions.txt," "iso.txt" ("use your cd burning software to create a cd from this .iso image."... well, ok, I did that!) and the "rp82v302.iso" file.

I've tried burning in Toast 5 as ISO, disk image... my RP-56 won't read it. (I'm doing my RP-56 as a test *before* I do my XP-30. Just to be safe...)

I'm really *not* an idiot! Suggestions?

Have I missed anything here guys ? Why do I need to do the reset after the firmware update ? Isnt that to go back to original firmware ?
I havent reset the DVD player after the update, everything seems to work fine. Why is the reset done ?
Thx

It resets the settings, not the firmware. Some people have been losing their region settings after the update.

Well, I created my update disk, two ways:

1) Downloaded the RAR file with the Blindwrite Image (three files), converted it to ISO using MagicISO, burned to disc using EasyCD Creator 5

2) Downloaded vtb2's zip compressed ISO, extracted it and burned it with EasyCD Creator 5.

Although the iso's were of slightly different size, the files they created were identical in size.:

In Root:

Dvdpupdt.frm 32,800kb

In Mei_dvdp:

Mdp010_1.frm 59,394kb
Mdp010_1.pg 1kb

In Video_ts:

Video_ts.bup 16kb
Video_ts.ifo 16kb
Video_ts.vob 3588kb
Vts_01_0.bup 12kb
Vts_01_0.ifo 12kb
Vts_01_1.vob 234kb


It'll be a few days before I burn them -- my TV is on the fritz -- but it is nice to see I get the same results from two different copies of the firmware.


Sango,

Maybe I missed this, but do you know how this effects the Service Disk 2 macrovision and region hacks? Do I just go ahead with the firmware update and then reapply the hacks?

Thanks,

Joe

Hi Dr Joe:

Yes, you have to reapply the SVC Disc 2 hack because it's gone after the update. Then you are home free once again =)

Sango

Now that I have a pair of xp30's, I also took the plunge and did one update from a disk burned from the iso, thanks to Vtb2 and everyone else for hosting and instructions. Went from 268 to 302, nary a hitch. So far, all I have noticed is a much faster response time on menu and scene access, and commands in general. I plan to A/B the units on my X1 PJ when I get a chance, to see what differences in PQ I can discern. At the same time, I also have a brand-new "official" Panasonic recovery disk on the way one of these days, and if it ever arrives it will be interesting to see if the firmware contained on that is the same version as this one. Some of the file creation dates on the version courtesy of Sango read July 15, 2003, so it is possible that there are further updates. Will report back when/if I have info.

Philo...

See if there is any difference in the layer change lag too. Thanks!

Nothing ever beats a good head-to-head comparison :D

Will be happy to do this also. Anybody have a favorite layer change chapter/time location they want me to try? I own a few of the "usual suspects", Nemo, LOTR I & II, etc.

Hi PhiloT:

From what I was told by Panasonic is that that is the latest one. I could also order the offical recovery disc as well but since you'lll get it first I'll wait on it. I've noted two part numbers, one is the recovery disc and the other is the update disc but I'm not really sure which one to order heheheh!!

Sango

P/N for the recovery disk is RFKZD5TR006, supposedly shipped with the latest firmware when ordered. I believe that the P/N stays the same, they just update the firmware. I guess we'll find out! :)

"Vtb2:

I'm in the middle of downloading the RAR file from your site. It's been going for nearly three hours. Right now it's averaging 4.6 KB/sec. Is this a normal speed for your server?

(Thanks a lot for hosting it, by the way. I'm not complaining about the speed, but just wanted to make sure nothing was wrong.)"


It's slow because there's more than one person downloading.
more downloads = less bandwidth = slow download times.


I uploaded the iso file because i thought that mac user could burn that file, i know nothing about mac compatability so i can't comment on it.... it does work for the PC though.

It does work just fine on Mac OS X using Disk Copy. I did one on WinNT and one on the Mac, and they both worked OK.

Hi PhiloT:

My contact at Panasonic told me about this part number - RFKZD03R004, which I believe is the update disc.

Sango

Tried Disk Copy on Mac. I get Video_TS and the "other" folder... EMPTY.

How hard can this be? What the heck am I missing here???????????????????????????????

Service Disk 2 macrovision and region hacks?

Where can I get this???
Would this allow me to make my XP30 a region-free player without any hardware mods?

Just another success story. I tried it on my Denon DVD-1600 and it worked fine. I went from firmware 025 to 068. I did have to do the reset to get it to recognize region 1 disks correctly. Haven't tried much but menus seem to be more responsive. I still have problems playing a video CD I made which I hoped it would correct.

Originally posted by jagz
Where can I get this???
Would this allow me to make my XP30 a region-free player without any hardware mods?

You need to look at the proper thread to find your answer. Unfortunately the disc doesn't work with XP30.

Sango - according to the info I have, the disk RFKZD03R004 is for DVDLX9, DVDS35, and SAST1 (whatever that is!), but I have no description of what it does or what's on it. The other disk RFKZD5TR006 is listed in the service literature as the recovery disk (for a very long list of models), and it mentions the firmware update dialog as an automatic function when you put the disk in. So, I guess we'll see when I get it (if it ever gets here!).

SonyCrusader: I couldn't see the files inside those folders either on the Mac, but the files are really in there when you burn the disk, I can see them when I put it into my Win98 machine. That's the disk I used to update the xp30 to 302.

Probably some kind of file system incompatibility, or a directory setting that makes the files invisible, just like a lot of the other files you can't see in Mac OS X (everything in your /private/etc directory, for example).