Panasonic DVD-S97 firmware discussion thread.

For discussion of S97 firmware for both "528+" and "360+" series.

General S97 discussion can be directed to this thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4569192#post4569192

BREAKING NEWS!!!!!!

NOTE: Panasonic S97 macroblock enhance issue and "pink tint" apparently partially addressed with firmware.

If you have a Panasonic DVD-S97 get the serial number off the case and note the firmware number by:

Press and hold on the player the buttons "PAUSE" + "OPEN" and press the "7" button on the remote. The full version will be displayed on the florescent read out and the last 3 numbers on the right is the version number.

Beaware that there are two manufacturing series: Sept 2004 - Mar 2005 "528" or
April 2005 - present "360".

Panasonic Factory Method:

If the firmware is prior to 85E536 or 86H362 call Panasonic and get a case number now before the 90 day labor warranty expires. Panasonic may be reached at these numbers:

USA customers/owners : 1-800-211-7262

CANADA customers/owners : (905) 624-5505
Panasonic Canada Customer Care: CustomerCare@ca.panasonic.com

Eastern Canada:

Panasonic Toronto Factory Servicentre
5770 Ambler Drive
Mississauga ON L4W 2T3
Phone: 905 624-8447

Western Canada:

Panasonic BC Factory Service Center
12111 Riverside Way
Richmond, BC
V6W 1K8
Phone: (604) 278-4211

Request a fix for "picture noise" and "macroblocking". Request firmware 85E536, 85E540, 85E540 or 85H362 depenenging upon the S97 build. Be certain a case number is given and save it.

DIY:

Be aware that performing a firmware update involves risk. That risk includes entire loss of the player and all warranties. The entire risk is assumed by the user. At the present time there is no method to revert to a previous fix level.

PAL users:

There may still be issues with 50/60Hz conversion and pans with 540 so please be aware before upgrading to 540. We have no method to revert to a previous level.

For PAL users that have firmware version 540 (thanks to Aquila_BE):

There is no need to downgrade the firmware of the s97 back to 536 to get rid of the pixel drop bug in 750p mode! I have firmware 540 and I am playing PAL movies without the pixel drop in 750p mode!

The only thing you have to do is go to the Setup menu of your s97, go to the 'Video' tab and set 'Convert from PAL' to 525 (480)p/60Hz (which is NTSC).

Also set 'NTSC disc output' to NTSC in stead of PAL60.

That's all, the pixel drop bug is now gone. And I can see no loss in picture quality playing a PAL movie being converted to NTSC.

541 & 362 Available!!!!!! (thanks to KinoJoe):

541 & 362 location:
http://www.mechwollier.de/pana_s97/DVDPUPDT.FRM

The upgrade tutorial for the 540 works fine.

This firmware now includes the 362 update for the later build S97 "360" line of firmware.

Be aware that the S97 will revert to factory default settings. Make note of any custom settings as they will be erased.

Reports are that the "pixel drop" problem is fixed but I haven't seen anything fixed or improved. Macroblock enhance is still present and appears to be unaffected and the zoom feature has the same mediocre picture quality.

540 Available!!!!!! (thanks to LiteUp! and Sango):

540 upgrade tutorial (read the bottom of the page!!!!): http://home.comcast.net/~home_theater_test/s97_85E540_firmware_upgrade.htm

Sango:

Update released officialy on 18, I recieved on the 24th. Two things need to be considered. The update was just received on 2/24/2005 (edit) and Panasonic doesn't document what they fix. (Sango)

Preliminary impressions:

Paul:

540 installed with no problems. I think this is a worthy upgrade to 536. With initial viewing the problems seen with random, false light color tint with black and white material and low level color is virutally eliminated. Big step forward. There might be a sight half-step back with macroblock enhance of the "fade up from black screen" variety. Zoom does not appear to be any better or worse. The player does revert to default settings when the update is done.

It does appear that settings (other than those on the main setup menu) are now not saved when power is removed and will revert to factory defaults. Example: if HDMI output is set for 1080i and power is removed then power reinstated HDMI output is now 480p. Affects the USER settings as well. Turning the player on and off does not affect the settings. Disconnecting power will.

Update: Tried plugging and unplugging the S97 again and no problem -- the configured settings held. Nothing on the S97 was changed -- did not re-flash. Can't explain it.

There are some reports of loss of sharpness. I have not noticed any.

I am pleased with 540.

LiteUp!:

I just did a quick check on 2 things. The Incorrect Progressive Flags issue in Auto2 mode is still there (no problem in Auto1). The Layer Change appears to be the same as 536....just under 1 second. I ran another quick test this morning. The 2-2 Cadence Film Flags test still fails in Auto1 mode only (Auto2 is OK). 2-2 Cadence is only used in European films. I have some foreign films so I stay in Auto2 mode. It pretty much looks like this firmware update is to only address the pink tint issue to black and white scenes and MB. As Paul reports, it basically looks like the pink issue is now totally fixed. MB tests still remain...and I can't really do them because I don't have any MB with my display at all. To me, 540 is starting to look like 536 with the slight pinkness fixed. We need more input on MB testing from all of you out there with your various displays. Time to chime in guys and gals!

85E540 S97 Summary so far...

Things fixed:
1.) Layer Change pause reduction [[same as 536, about .9 sec.]]
2.) Player responsiveness increase [[appears same as 536, nice and quick.]]
3.) Recovery Time improvement [[same as 536]]. This can be seen on the Galaxy Quest intro. and the Faroudja test disc using the diagonal moving box and lines test.
4.) 3-2 Cadence Video Flags passes in Auto1 and Auto2 modes (Galaxy Quest intro using the planet fly-by scene, the 3-2 film pulldown is grabbed even quicker now). [[Same as 536.]]
5.) Film grain/MPEG background noise reduction (edge enhancement reduction in 720p and 1080i over HDMI). [[Looks the same as 536 to me.]]
6.) MB reduction for people that are experiencing it, although there is no way to quantitatively measure this. MB is not present with all displays. I don't have any MB with my Sanyo PLV-Z2 720p LCD projector. I checked some new Anime clips from Sango and one clip he posted a link to on the Forum (Geneon intro). I had no MB at all with my Sanyo Z2 display at 720p/HDMI. I compared this to my XP30, it looked the same (MB-wise).
7.) I can now set my brightness to 0 (instead of +1 with 85E528) to get perfect BTB using DVE (I am running in 720p over HDMI/DVI). [[Same as 536, 0 is perfect using DVE.]]
8.) Pink tint reduction in black and white scenes, though some may still be seeing a small amount of pinkness, I don't think I am seeing it on my display. [[I can't see any pinkness with 540 using DVE test patterns for BTB, grayscale, etc.]]

Things still not fixed:
1.) Incorrect Progressive Flags test still fails in Auto2 mode only (strange since other FL2310-based players don't have this problem, so this is easily fixable via firmware, and the problem is not present in Auto1 mode). [[Still fails in 540.]]
2.) 2-2 Cadence Film Flags test still fails in Auto1 mode only. [[Still fails in v540.]]
3.) Picture fuzzy when using the Zoom feature in the player. [[Still the same in 540.]]
4.) Panasonic, can you start posting firmware updates on your website?

From what I can tell (and Paul's/Sango's comments as well), it looks like they removed any traces of pink tint in B&W material and more MB improvements for 540. It's like a fine-tuned version of 536.

536 Summary and download (thanks to LiteUp!):

536 may be downloaded here:

http://home.comcast.net/~home_theater_test/Panasonic_DVD-S97_85E536_firmware_update.zip

Read the 540 tutorial (above) for instructions:

Things fixed:
1.) Layer Change pause reduction (down to 0.94 sec. from 1.5 sec.).
2.) Player responsiveness increase (MUCH quicker chapter skips, menu navigation, and disc reads upon tray closing).
3.) Recovery Time improvement (much quicker switching between film and video modes on the fly). This can be seen on the Galaxy Quest intro. and the Faroudja test disc using the diagonal moving box and lines test.
4.) 3-2 Cadence Video Flags passes in Auto1 and Auto2 modes (Galaxy Quest intro using the planet fly-by scene, the 3-2 film pulldown is grabbed even quicker now).
5.) Film grain/MPEG background noise reduction (edge enhancement reduction in 720p and 1080i over HDMI).
6.) MB reduction for people that are experiencing it, although there is no way to quantitatively measure this. MB is not present with all displays. I don't have any MB with my Sanyo PLV-Z2 720p LCD projector.
7.) I can now set my brightness to 0 (instead of +1 with 85E528) to get perfect BTB using DVE (I am running in 720p over HDMI/DVI).
8.) Pink tint reduction in Black and White scenes, though some may still be seeing a small amount of pinkness, I don't think I am seeing it on my display.

Things still not fixed:
1.) Incorrect Progressive Flags test still fails in Auto2 mode only (strange since other FL2310-based players don't have this problem, so this is easily fixable via firmware, and the problem is not present in Auto1 mode).
2.) 2-2 Cadence Film Flags test still fails in Auto1 mode only.
3.) Picture fuzzy when using the Zoom feature in the player.
4.) Can we get the Layer Change down to 1 sec. or less?
5.) Panasonic, can we start getting firmware updates for this player through the front door...instead of the back door? How about a firmware update site with release notes for each version?

Just unzip the file and burn the .frm file to a CDROM disk as you would a normal data file. (Make sure the player is connected to a display. edit) Put it in the player and answer the first question it asks (Do you want to update?) as a YES, then sit back and wait about 5 minutes. You'll see some strange stuff on the screen while it is updating and resetting. It will tell you when it is finished and successful on the front display after it reboots when done. DO NOT TURN IT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE UPDATE.

It's that easy. I would write down all of your settings in the player you want to keep. Part of the update process is to reset everything in the player to factory defaults, so you'll have to go back in and set it to Auto2, 720p, Normal/User mode, etc. for example. Factory default is 480i mode.

This update file is dated Dec. 17, 2004, so it was compiled very close to that date. Also, newer players that recently shipped with a January build date all seem to have 85E536 already installed. The build date of your S97 is stamped in the rear panel's right side.

Thanks: Sango, LiteUp!, Aquila_BE

(this post has now changed to bump... Mission accomplished!!)

I live in Ontario, Canada and they stated that I would have to drive to Panasonic HQ in Mississauga if I wanted the firmware updated. Cost is obviously on them. I do not know what plans they have for persons in Canada not in that area.
It will not be covered if you go to any other authourized dealer. Done for free at headquarters only.
FYI for Canadians.

Has anyone in the US received information on when or if this update will be done. I have made many calls and even have a case number but I can't get answers.

Thanks Sango!

Done!

I wish we had more info for the USA. Will just keep plugging away....

Paul

Made the call this morning. Panasonic USA told me they had no word of any maroblocking issues or a firmware change to fix it. They wouldn't even log a case number for me.
They referred me to their 'local' authorized repair shop. She said they knew nothing of the firmware upgrade, but feel free to bring it in. I asked again, to which she replied, "Bring it in and well take a look at it." They just want the service money. They had zero clue as to what I was talking about and had no intention of researching it before I brought the unit in. Bummer. I am not going to bring it in there for it just to sit on their shelf. Anybody know any knowledgeable shops in the S.F. bay area?

Thx,

I made a call to Panasonic USA a minutes ago regarding the macroblocking problem, and the operator is quite ignorant about it. She told me to buy another model!

I will wait until I can download a firmware update on this forum, because I could no longer trust Panasonic USA.

If Panasonic is unable to fix the macroblocking problem, perhaps a class-action lawsuit may work.

Paul: Were you able to find out what the service center is doing with your machine, even though they do not have the new firmware?

Nope. I don't know what they're doing with it. Won't know until *maybe* Friday at the earliest. More likely until Tuesday or Wednesday. This issue might be something the servicers know but the Level 1 phone support do not. I have no idea.

Since it is Panasonic's desired method to have the unit "brought in". I'm doing just that to see what happens. The servicer may have to be resourceful and do "investigation" and wait for "callbacks" from the Panasonic techs that Panasonic hires to help techs out in the field. If the servicer replys with "no firmware update", I'm going to quiz the methods used to determine that answer and push for further investigation.

I think Penton-Man and myself are being the "guniea pigs" here in the USA.

Or, maybe it will be all a simple matter and get updated quickly!

Paul

Well, I am out the entire next week to Vegas & Phoenix! My warranty runs out on 2/10. Will have about 4 days after I come back to catchup on your & Penton-man's updates and shall make the decision then. Wish me luck!:D And thanks for being the guniea pigs.

Yesterday I reported in the main S97 thread that I was seeing a clearer 480i signal enabling me to reduce sharpness to it's properly calibrated level on my system of -5 with inducing eyestrain as it had before. Since the only change to the system since the upgrade is slightly different cord and cable positioning I figured this improvement may be due to the firmware possibly tweaking the 480i in along with the Faroudja chip to reduce the artifact. Well, assuming this change in clarity is in fact reality it definitely is not due the firmware upgrade.

I emailed Panasonic for more info on the upgrade, particularly which chip(s) it effects and they indicated the macroblocking firmware is for the Faroudja chip only and does not affect the interlaced signal.

The faroudja isn't utilized in 480i at all as far as I know.

Originally posted by nothru22
The faroudja isn't utilized in 480i at all as far as I know.

That's correct, 480i is straight off the MPEG decoder. Though the Faroudja is causing the problem, after I unexpectedly perceived a clearer image from 480i I felt that possibly the firmware fix may have tweaked both the 480i signal and the Faroudja in tandem. Not so.

Has anyone had any success in the US or any other country other than Canada.

If anyone around the world gets their firmware updated, please try to get a copy of the new firmware. It is amazing that Panasonic will not admit that the
new firmware even exits in the US.

Also posted in S97S brain dump:

Panasonic Calgary Factory Service Centre
6835-8th St. N.E.
Calgary, AB, Canada
T2E 7H7
Ph: 403-295-3955
Fax: 403-274-5493

Originally posted by leaguer1leafs
I live in Ontario, Canada and they stated that I would have to drive to Panasonic HQ in Mississauga if I wanted the firmware updated. Cost is obviously on them. I do not know what plans they have for persons in Canada not in that area.
It will not be covered if you go to any other authourized dealer. Done for free at headquarters only.
FYI for Canadians.


That sounds like a lie to me. Panasonic does not have the right to choose which authorized service center you MUST choose. So long as it's an authorized service center and you're within your warranty period, THEY MUST service your unit for FREE!

Originally posted by jcc
That sounds like a lie to me. Panasonic does not have the right to choose which authorized service center you MUST choose. So long as it's an authorized service center and you're within your warranty period, THEY MUST service your unit for FREE!


i wasn't happy with the response but was told that only at headquarters would i get the firmware fix for free. it is over an hour drive for me to get there. i emailed them numerous times and got the same response each time.
sounds like a load of crap but didn't know what my options were. i contacted the closest service center and they basically had no idea what i was talking about. it did not sound like a service bulletin was issued.

Yesterday I got my S97 upgraded at the Panasonic Headquarters in Mississauga. I was given the options to either bring it in, or ship it in. Since it's only about 45min drive ... down I went.

I would like to express my thanks to the folks at Panasonic. They are very friendly and knowledgeable.

I waited about 15 minutes for my player to be upgraded.

I will try to provide some impressions on the new firmware. My display is a BENQ8700+ projector (1280x720 DLP) projected on a 96" screen.

1. The pink/red/purple tint. FIXED :)
If you bring up the grey scale, this is esily seen. The worst disk I saw this effect on is on the Moulin Rouge THX optimizer. On the grey scale screen, a strong tint of red with the old firmware. The new firmware ... GONE! I noticed this also on the AVIA disk and DVE disk but it was never as pronounced as on the THX optimizer. There might be a little red in the low IRE levels, but I have to confirm this. The AVIA and DVE patterns are clean, while the red in low IRE is only on the THX optimizer on the grey scale/black level screen.

2. Macro-Blocking
This was never a huge issue with my player/display combination, but I did see the artifact occationally. I think the first time I saw it where it became distracting was with Collateral Damage. The new firmware reduced the Macroblocking significantly. I really had to go looking for it to see it. I still have to verify that this is not a problem with the disk itself.

Macro-Blocking is significantly reduced!

3. Faster Menue Navigation
With the old version, the menu navigation was a little slow. It's very fast now. I wasn't looking for this when I was testing last night, but a very nice bonus. Unfortunately, the 4:3 menu shrink issue (where the menue selections are not alligned correctly) is not corrected.

4. User Settings
This might be a benefit for those who don't read the manual ... but the firmware removed the step to save your user settings. I think this is a step backwards. Before, the player allowed you to save 2 individual settings, now there is only the system menu.

I preferred the original user setting format.

5. Sharpness
Sharness/ringing is still present in 720p and more so in 1080i. I didn't play too much with the settings to see if I can reduce it, but it is there.

Overall, this new Frimware is much ... much better than the original one.

If there is something someone would like me to test out, please let me know.

Cheers!
Mass

Originally posted by leaguer1leafs
i wasn't happy with the response but was told that only at headquarters would i get the firmware fix for free. it is over an hour drive for me to get there. i emailed them numerous times and got the same response each time.
sounds like a load of crap but didn't know what my options were. i contacted the closest service center and they basically had no idea what i was talking about. it did not sound like a service bulletin was issued.

Look, just go to the local service center with your machine and explain the situation to the technician. Tell him that there's a problem with the image and that the fix should be covered by the warranty. Then let them know that they don't need to open the machine for service and that the new firmware will take care of this. Tell them that you'll keep the machine until they receive the new firmware at which point you'll bring the unit back for them to upload the new firmware. Let them submit their paper work to get paid and everyone's happy.

Your mistake was to call Panasonic asking for their opinion. Who cares what they think?!?!? As far as they're concerned, this is just another defect that's covered by the warranty. If you treat it as such and take it into the local service center, there's no way they will not pay. There's a written contract called a warranty that they can't get around.

Does the new firmware improve the zoom picture quality?

jcc, I'll try the zoom tonight. I never used the zoom before, so I don't have a comparison. I'll comare the zoom on the player vs the projector.

No more user settings? LIke Brightess, Contrast, etc.? Or is it just one setting and no ability to choose? If so, perhaps some memory needed to be freed up for the firmware fix.

Paul

Paul,

The user settings are still there. It looks like they got rid of USER2, and the extra step to save the settings. After you make your changes to brightness, contrast, colour, etc, they are saved automatically under USER.

I believe this was done because I can see a lot of people complaining that their settings were never kept after the unit has cycled on and off. This would happen if the user neglected to save their settings first. By removing one of the USER banks and saving automatically after the changes will probably reduce quite a bit of confusion for some of the novice users.

Thanks Massimo! Two settings are nice but if they had to be removed to allow the fix it would be OK. But it was probably a complaint issue as you state.

Paul

I never use user mode!! The normal standard defaults work for me!! =)

Massimo,

I appear to still have the all the User settings post firmware upgrade, I presume we're talking about the same thing. To navigate the menu are you doing this:?

Menu-> Other Settings -> Other Menu -> AV Enhance

From there I see a list of user modes and section to save the settings they a listed as follows:

OFF
Auto
User 1
User 2
User 3
_____
Save Settings

Selection of User 1-3 will recall previously saved settings for that setting while selecting "Save Settings" will bring up the ability to save new settings in User 1, User 2 or User 3.

The process and ability is unchanged on my player. I should note that accessing the AV Enhance via the remote "AV Enhance" button allows you to toggle between the OFF, Auto, and User 1-3 settings but you can not access the "Save Settings" menu from there.

There might be a little red in the low IRE levels, but I have to confirm this. The AVIA and DVE patterns are clean, while the red in low IRE is only on the THX optimizer on the grey scale/black level screen.

Massimo. I am intrigued that you aren't seeing pink on your BENQ 8700. Could you check the 90% box in the DVE grey reverse ramp and see if its there? After upgrading, It's much lower than before on my plasma unit but still visible. I am starting to wonder if its more of a problem with plasmas than projectors. Thanks.

The latest firmware is circulating in a forum in sweden. Someone mailed panasonic sweden about it and got it in a mail!. I'll have it shortly, I think. I have no idea if there are different firmwares for US/EU machines though. Stand by for the file......

Ok, I now have the firmware. It is two megs, where do I put it? Split into 4 parts and post four messages? Anyone with a good shared storage area?

Hugh2,

I just doubled checked the user settings, and they're still there. Sorry 'bout the confusion guys.

Jakeman,
I'll check for the pink again a little later. Last night I was estatic that I didn't see any, I'll try later on to see if I can spot it.

lappy,

I just sent you a Private Message. I can host this if you send it.

Thanks

Originally posted by lappy4711
Ok, I now have the firmware. It is two megs, where do I put it? Split into 4 parts and post four messages? Anyone with a good shared storage area?

We should be sure that the new firmware from Sweden does not change the
region settings or we could be in trouble.

I can put a disclaimer up about this as well....until we find out.

Originally posted by rwestley
We should be sure that the new firmware from Sweden does not change the
region settings or we could be in trouble.

This is Lars....I just updated my s97 with the firmware....my s97 is still working.....so the file is ok.

lappy,

Did it reset all of your user settingsback to default? Did you do a firmware check on it afterwards? What does it say? I viewed the update file with my hex editor and I did find the "85e536" version string in it in one location. What region are you in? Did it change your region settings?

Frank

Originally posted by lappy4711
This is Lars....I just updated my s97 with the firmware....my s97 is still working.....so the file is ok.

It shouldn't change the region at all. The firmware should reset back to default settings. Just another word of caution, don't use it on mod units because those will be lost except for the SDI.

To all:

The file with instructions zipped up is here. (http://home.comcast.net/~home_theater_test/Panasonic_DVD-S97_85E536_firmware_update.zip)

This update file is dated Dec. 17, 2004. So this update was produced/compiled about a month ago.

OMG!! HAX!! j/k!

Disreguard the PMs

Thank you LiteUp!
one ? what is normal data writing ? how do I write to cd?
when I right clik and send it to cd it says I will lose extra information
Thnx for any help

LiteUp!,

Change the URL and use the URL tag lol!!

It resetted all my settings (as fw updates almost always do).
My s97 now says it has firmware 85E536
I'm in region 2 and my s97 was originally a region free player. Haven't tested if it still is, but I assume so, because another swede updated and his player is still region free.

Originally posted by LiteUp!
lappy,

Did it reset all of your user settingsback to default? Did you do a firmware check on it afterwards? What does it say? I viewed the update file with my hex editor and I did find the "85e536" version string in it in one location. What region are you in? Did it change your region settings?

Frank

Hehehehe...


Originally posted by Sango
LiteUp!,

Change the URL and use the URL tag lol!!

I need to thanks Lars for the firmware myself.

The region/macrovision free will most likely be lost. The firmware is assumed to be used on stock units, so if you used it on a mod, it's now a stock unit.
-------------------------------------------------

Had a quick few minutes to use the S97 in comparison to RP82. The video is a bit cleaner than before (not as clean as the RP82) which can be worked on. The macroblocking did go down signifiantly but I can catch a glimpse at them easily when watching my shows.

Overalll the picture quality is acceptable. Hopefully Panasonic will continue efforts to make it up to par with the previous gen players.

thanks lappy4711, Sango, and all others who helped getting this firmware

Thanks everyone!

I did download the firmware!

However, my player is in the shop and the servicer is closed for the day..... :(

Paul

Any stores still selling this player? I can't find it online. Glad to hear about the firmware update.

BousquetP,

Yes there is, just gotta search.

thnx guys for everything (esp Sango)

updated my player and checked the firmware...all is well

updated from 528 to 536.

Let's hear some reports!

1. Macroblocking
2. Pink/orange tint to black and white material

Thanks!

Paul

OK...after getting mine upgraded (piece of cake), I spent a little time watching a movie and using DVE and a few test discs. The first thing I checked was BTB. I have a Sanyo PLV-Z2 LCD projector and connect my S97 to it via HDMI/DVI. I used to have to set my S97 brightness to +1 to get perfect BTB using DVE. Now it is perfect at 0. Dead on!

I also ran a few test discs again looking at the 3-2 Cadence, Video Flags (Galaxy Quest trailer, More Tales of the City intro, and the Faroudja test disc/diagonally moving boxes/lines). The player passes the test easily. I can see this by using the player's on screen menus while running these video tests. Any time you press a menu button or move around in the on-screen menus, the player will hop out into video mode....then very quickly (hard to even discern), the Faroujda 2310 analyzes the video again and grabs the 3:2 pulldown. Superb. I was running in Auto2 mode, like I normally do...this seems best. The player still does fail the Incorrect Progressive Flag test as it did before in Auto2 mode (so they didn't fix that yet). No biggie, as this is a disc mastering problem that is rare anyway.

As far as macroblocking goes, I really didn't have any to begin with on my display, and I still don't see any, so no comment here.

I am now running in 720p, HDMI, Normal Picture mode with all settings flat (= 0), including Brightness, Contrast, etc. I don't have any MPEG DNR settings enabled (all 0). Excellent.

I have also noticed that the player is much more responsive when moving around in the menus. I never had to wait for anything. Nice.

I have yet to check out Layer Change improvements...

Well right before I got the firmware, I had started watching Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban:

528:
One horrible thing about this one is at the very beginning - Using the HDMI output into a Hitachi 57S715 (57" projection with native HDMI input), the blue FBI warning displays and then fades to a black screen.....but not really. the FBI warning somewhat sticks around as a shadow as the WB logo starts coming at you to start the film. (which - the opening WB logo in this movie is really cool, btw) This was very disappointing. This after image effect was also very present in the Empire Strikes Back during space scenes. No way to test that (I don't own that movie) - but on with Harry.

536:

The problem isn't exactly gone, but is has been improved greatly. It almost seems like there is some artificial intelligence on the chip that says "oh crud - there are artifacts. Fix them! Hurry!" because that FBI warning smoothly starts to go away faster. Hmmm..more like dither into nothingness (eventually) rather than just fade away.

My point is that it seems like the dudes writing the software for the chip are really using some fine programming tricks to help stuff work. If this *is* the case...then I have high hopes that this will continue to improve as time moves on. Afterall, software is buggy and bugs can be removed and implementation reprogrammed to do a better job. Of course this depends on how willing Panasonic is to make improvements. So far - much better.

It reset my settings, so I have to go through and tweak things a bit to get things the way I want. I haven't run DVE yet - just did a dry run basically.

I must also say - PLEASE!!!! If you are going to flash the firmware, make sure that you verify the disc contents after burning and make sure that the disc burns correctly. No sense being in a rush to flash it only to render it useless.

Good luck everyone. This thread is probably going to get really big really fast with results pouring in.

Hi,
I just bought my S97-EBS (UK version, Multiregion modified) yesterday, it was showing firmware version 85E528 but I just ugraded it with the file you posted (thanks a lot for making it available!) and now it's showing 85E536.

I can't comment on any improvements in picture quality as I'm currently using the S-Video output (but I will get a projector with HDMI soon), but I tested some region 1 and region 2 DVDs and I can confirm that the upgrade did not overwrite the Multiregion mod.

Also I tested successfully (even before the upgrade) that backups of DVD-Videos on Verbatim DVD+R DL (8.5GB) media play fine, as do single layer (DVD-R) ones.

Before I take the red pill, I want to make sure consensus says that this update is fine on stock region 1 US-based players. Comments?

Yes, it's fine. No worries. Just do it!

Originally posted by kevinha
Before I take the red pill, I want to make sure consensus says that this update is fine on stock region 1 US-based players. Comments?

It is because I updated mine.

I don't think tux99 has is multiregion capabilities since he updated it and the firmware is design to rewrite the EPROM.

A big thank you to Sango, Paul,lappy 4711 and others for getting the firmware and for keeping us informed about this great player. I just updated my firmware with no problem. It did reset my machine to the original settings.

Thanks again.

lappy4711 here (swedish firmware guy)....just checked....can still play all region dvd:s....

Originally posted by lappy4711
lappy4711 here (swedish firmware guy)....just checked....can still play all region dvd:s....
Yes, I am paranoid ;)
Please confirm that a Europe-bought, originally region-free S97 will still be free after the update. I am asking because mine plays everything without problems, R1, R2, R3 and R4, RCE-discs. I bought mine region-free from PiPro in Germany, but heard from anoher Swedish guy who did the same, and his player wouldn't play the R1 Collateral, which mine took without a hitch...
So, before I take the plunge, can someone check various regions including known RCE-discs.

Thanks in advance :)

I'll see if I can find some other R1 dvd to try with.

Originally posted by mikaels
Yes, I am paranoid ;)
Please confirm that a Europe-bought, originally region-free S97 will still be free after the update. I am asking because mine plays everything without problems, R1, R2, R3 and R4, RCE-discs. I bought mine region-free from PiPro in Germany, but heard from anoher Swedish guy who did the same, and his player wouldn't play the R1 Collateral, which mine took without a hitch...
So, before I take the plunge, can someone check various regions including known RCE-discs.

Thanks in advance :)

Onecall.com is getting its new batch of S97's within the first week of February. I will be getting my replacement shortly thereafter. Hopefully it will already have the firmware fix.

Originally posted by CkRtech

I must also say - PLEASE!!!! If you are going to flash the firmware, make sure that you verify the disc contents after burning and make sure that the disc burns correctly. No sense being in a rush to flash it only to render it useless.


I want to make sure I'm burning the firmware to CD properly. What is "normal data writing mode"? I use Easy CD Creator 6 to burn data CDs, will this work ok? Obviously don't want to destroy my s97 so any help (what program to use, what basic steps to take) would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Eric

That should be fine. Just make sure you don't burn it in multisession and that the session is closed and make sure to verify the data burned like Nero 6 does. I burned it in data mode with nero 6 and flashed my S97 and all went well. It took around 2-3 minutes for the flashing process to complete and during that time the screen in the background had some ant races. I have verified that I now have the new firmware version and boy can I tell. The menus are instant and even disk loading times and chapter searching is the fastest I have ever seen on a player. The macroblocking definitely is a lot less in darker scenes, but it is still slightly there but it doesn't bother me anymore. Other then that I don't notice any other difference and I am glad there are no negative difference an I would highly recommend flashing the firmware since it is so easy. Who knows when the Panasonic US centers will have access to it or if they even care. Big thanks to Lars for making it avalaible and not having to deal with a service center.

I used Nero Express. As stated this is not an ISO file but a regular data file!!!

Just hit data disk button and add the file. Burn the CD the same way that you burn any other data file. Easy Cd creator should also work with no problems. I would suggest that you burn the file at a slow speed. When you are finished open the disk to be sure the file burned. It should be very easy.

Thanks rwestly and hurtz777. Will give it a shot later tody.

I just completed the firmware upgrade (528 to 536). No problem. I noticed the LCD display indicates "GOOD" when complete. I powered down the player, powered up, reset my personal settings (you may want to write them all down prior to upgrade) and all is OK.

New Fifth Element DVD look superb ( to my eyes damn near HD quality). No chance to check with any MB improvements but it never really bothered me (Pioneer PDP-4340 plasma).

This player really is outstanding any any price.

Don in USA

I just tried using both Roxio Easy Cd and DVD Creator 6 Drag to Disc and using Plextor Plextools 2.17 and both times the disc appears to write ok but when inserted into the player I get "This type of disc cannot be played". I made sure they weren't ISO format. On Plextools I was able to choose UDF. Not sure where I'm going wrong.

OK figured it out. Found the proper data writer in Roxio. Disc has been read and firmware update is complete.

Originally posted by Paul Bigelow
Let's hear some reports!

1. Macroblocking
2. Pink/orange tint to black and white material

Thanks!

Paul

I'd just like to thank one and all for making this upgrade available. I had zero problems updating my unit.

I've only had a few minutes to check out the results, but for me, the change in black and white material was dramatic, to say the least. I had watched Pleasantville last night, and there was a significant pink tinge to all the b/w scenes. After the update, the pink was gone.

Haven't really had the opportunity to look for changes in MB, but so far, a big thumbs up.

Bill

Well, I just swallowed the red pill and completed the firmware update. I got a little concerned after the background when through it's cycle and the process appeared hung, but I stayed the course and it completed.

Once it gets dark around here (I've got too much ambient light during the day), I'll calibrate and watch some usual suspects and report back.

Anyone get a chance to see if they improved the zoom picture quality with this new firmware?

Also, do you guys think that we'll be able to get new firmware updates in the future through this forum? I mean if not then I am still going to take my unit in to get it registered. That way, I'll always be covered by the warranty for MB.

jcc,

I checked out the zoom last night, and it's decent. It's definitely zooming first then scalling the zoomed image. The non-anamorphic DVD's I have are mostly music DVDs, and the quality is nothing to be desired in the first place, and zooming them just makes it worse. The zoom on my projector does a better job than the S97.

I never used the zoom feature before, so I have no idea if it's improved or not.

I just did the firmware upgrade. The overall image/scene quality of familiar movies has definately improved. The Pink/Purple banding I was getting before appears to be all but gone.

When doing the upgrade, be patient as it will take several minutes to run through and complete. Don't get impatient or be tempted to intervene to preempt the process. Wait until it signals that it has finished.

I must admit, I was a little nervous though watching the screen go spastic during the upgrade. I need a new anchor for the boat, but not the s97.

Thanks everyone!

HerbL

The update screen is a bit tricky.
During the update process you see the screen go werid and then it appears as if it freezed up!! Also the disc stops spinning and also see the same freezed screen which is normal. Just wait around 5 minutes and it should be ok.

Sango just made a very important point. Do not for any reason stop the firmware upgrade once it has started. It takes about 5 minutes. Be patient and wait unit the process completes. I have seen people ruin computers or dvd
players by not being patient. Firmware is similar to bios on a computer.

I did notice that one I completed the firmware I had to reset a few of the settings. The light on the front did not go off when A dvd started and I had to
reset the display along with other settings. When I have a little time I will do
some more testing.

Thanks agan to all.

Thanks for Sango and the others for providing the firmware. This is what I am waiting for.

Panasonic S97 firmware update working on european players?

Sorry if this question was brought up before, but after reading the posts of this thread and the readme that comes with the new Panasonic S97 firmware I'm still unsure.

Can anyone confirm, that the firmware that can be downloaded via the link in this thread also works on european Panasonic S97 players. That would be helpful.

Without confirmation I'm to anxious to try the update......don't want to turn it into a "silver brick"......:D

thanks in advance,
Bjoern

Originally posted by Bjoern
Panasonic S97 firmware update working on european players?

Sorry if this question was brought up before, but after reading the posts of this thread and the readme that comes with the new Panasonic S97 firmware I'm still unsure.

Can anyone confirm, that the firmware that can be downloaded via the link in this thread also works on european Panasonic S97 players. That would be helpful.

Without confirmation I'm to anxious to try the update......don't want to turn it into a "silver brick"......:D

thanks in advance,
Bjoern

Yes, this works on European players. I updated my UK bought Region 2 player today with no issues at all so far. Others have reported sucess with multiregion variants.

This firmware actually came from Europe (Sweden).

Mine is still in the shop....... :(

But thanks for all of the reports! :)

Paul

Paul, you need to force your way in to take your unit back.
------------------

The firmware definately originated from Japan.

Will all the S97's sold from now come with the firmware already installed?

Originally posted by AkaStp
I would guess that it will take a couple of months for old inventory to pass through the channels and for newer builds to show up. That is assuming that Panasonic are slipstreaming the new firmware into January 05 builds of the player. If anyone gets a January 05 build perhaps they'll post the firmware version.

Oh no - I can see it happening. Somebody here will get a Jan 05 build with a 536B firmware and we'll all start going nuts trying to find the differences. :D

Could be possible but it wouldn't be 536B because of the convention is only 3 numbers.

It has to to be greater then 536.

I thought about that, but thought the B would make my point a little better. :D

Can't wait for Paul to get his machine back and test the new firmware and list his tweaks. I have just installed it and tried a few of the DVE and THX tests. It passes the tests I tried including blacker than black. As far as macroblocking is concerned I have not noticed it yet with the new firmware and my AE700. I don't know if the problem is totally resoved with other displays but I do know that the picture is great with my setup.

It figures a firmware update gets unleashed a few days after taking the machine in! ;)

Oh well.

I'm glad this firmware is working out so well! It appears that two of the major problems, marcroblocking and pink tint at low IRE are either eliminated or significantly reduced and as a bonus, menu navigation has been improved. Looks like two big "thumbs up", huh?

Has anyone confirmed improvements at 1080i?

Paul

I just calibrated this evening with DVE. My choice for settings were Cinema 2 (it had a brighter feel to it, no other reason for that selection) and it passed BTB out of the box. Even the Swelltone jet didn't look as bad as it had previously prior to calibration.

It was interesting, during DVE's 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100% pluge patterns you could visible see the display compensate. It took a moment to "shift and settle" as I would call it. I did not see this on the old firmware.

I went and picked up Master & Commander again tonight (Blockbuster Movie Freedom Pass) and while it's a tad better, it still macroblocks pretty bad. The green tinge I had before isn't nearly as bad, nor is the pink, but the opening fog scenes are still shot to hell. I'm going to watch a few more films and play around with Cinema 1 and/or User before I render a verdict.

As for speedier menus, I was coming from a Denon 2910 which must have the slowest navigation on the face of the planet, so everything on the S97 seems snappy to me :-)

As a side note, I'm having a tech come out Tuesday evening to fully calibrate my display - I swear I'm off in the reds and greens. It'll be interesting to see how things look after that as well.

jcc,

I checked the zoom out. It seems the same to me.....no difference (so I don't use it and use the zoom on my projector).


Originally posted by jcc
Anyone get a chance to see if they improved the zoom picture quality with this new firmware?

Also, do you guys think that we'll be able to get new firmware updates in the future through this forum? I mean if not then I am still going to take my unit in to get it registered. That way, I'll always be covered by the warranty for MB.

There's been a couple queries wondering if the zoom feature has improved with the new firmware. On my player at least, I can without hestiation tell you that the zoom performs just as bad.

Except for "The Department of Half Truth and Deception" (aka. Marketing) purposes I can no reason why anyone would put a zoom such as this in a player. Even the lowest setting of 1.01 zoom destroys the image. Sort of like passing off a canteen of urine as a refreshing drink.

I'm definately not impressed with the S97 zoom. I don't use it. The Momitsu V880's zoom results in a vastly superior zoomed picture.

Paul

Yeah. Seems like if you are watching 4:3 content the best thing to do is have your TV do the zoom. I suppose zooming widescreen stuff from 2.35:1 or 1.85:1 to 16:9 would be fine as well if that is your thing.

Hey guys - just watched an episode of Gargoyles (brilliant story telling and animation I might add) with the new firmware.

Macroblocking is greatly reduced! I think there are a few instances here and there, but for the most part it does not "jump out" like it used to. This is significant because I know that many have complained about animation (and specifically anime) not looking all that great. Gargoyles was not animated on a computer - it was still traditional cel based with the frame by frame shots.

The cel-based/computer animated shows most likely have the highest chance of macroblocking - somebody else will have to test this out. I don't think I have any "new" shows on DVD.

In the meantime, I wish I had waited a little bit before watching my Gargoyles Season 1 DVD. I only have one episode left and watched most of the other episodes while sighing about the macroblocking going on in the background. (mostly in the sky)

CkRtech,

I believe it's the cartoon that was shown in the 90s right? Might be the same show that I'm thinking about. They lived in a castle right, and the they turn to stone by day, living by night? Also some rich guy owning the castle as well.

Sango

I just flashed my s97.. very easy.. I have a usa region 1.. purchased in november... I have it running through hdmi into my ae700 ... I tweaked things a little and I can say the picture@ 720p looks a little "cleaner" than before?? I previously used 1080i..it just seemed just a tad more stable.. if that makes sense? but from the few reference dvd's I just tossed in a played with for a few hours..720p is now my preference.. anyways I do enjoy the menu response time being quicker and have noticed a slightly better picture.. I thought it was great before.. all I need now is to painlessly update my ae700 to get rid of the "white flash " problem and I am set... thanks again to all who posted the firmware and easy instructions... Tim

Rocktim, I also have the same combo, S97 & AE700. The problem with Macroblocking was not that bad with the original firmware for me. I do agree that it is even better now. I have not seen any Macroblocking yet with the new firmware. It seems cleaner at 720p. but that could be just a perception since I can't compare the old firmware with the new firmware. I feel that for those who own the AE700 the S97 is the best DVD player to use. As close as we can get to HD quality at this time for the price. Regarding the "white flash" problem, I have been in touch with Panasonic and expect a response at any time. I will post it as soon as I hear.

Is flashing the player and exchanging for a newer unit (assuming its a 536) accomplish the same?


Thanks

Originally posted by Boogie7910
Onecall.com is getting its new batch of S97's within the first week of February. I will be getting my replacement shortly thereafter. Hopefully it will already have the firmware fix.

Yes. Assuming the new ones do actually come with the new firmware. The firmware update was built on Dec. 17, 2004. So, if the new players shipping now have a manufacture date of January 2005, those may have it....but they would be the first batch.

The firmware could be somewhere in the range between 528-536 (not inclusive) for the newer batches.

Originally posted by michaelggray
I just tried using both Roxio Easy Cd and DVD Creator 6 Drag to Disc and using Plextor Plextools 2.17 and both times the disc appears to write ok but when inserted into the player I get "This type of disc cannot be played". I made sure they weren't ISO format. On Plextools I was able to choose UDF. Not sure where I'm going wrong.

OK figured it out. Found the proper data writer in Roxio. Disc has been read and firmware update is complete.

Am I doing it wrong? I didn't use either Roxio or Nero. I just right-clicked on the file and selected Send to DVD/CD-RW drive (D: ). Then there was a second stage where Windows actually burned the file to CD. I haven't actually tried the firmware update yet. Is this not the correct method for burning the file? Am I going to mess things up? Thanks.
p.s. Also, I am using one of the smaller pocket CD-R's.

After you burn the CD be sure you have the file on it. If the file is correct it should work. I would suggest that you use Nero or Roxio and do not burn a multi session CD. I would also use a regular size CD if possible even though the
small Cd should work. Be sure to have patience through the update process.
It will take about 5 minutes.

My servicer has placed some inquiries and search the Panasonic site but have not been able to secure firmware yet.

Penton-Man I used your suggestion to help speed matters along.

It's funny - the S97 firmware is spreading like wildfire across the planet but the official service channels are only now sort of getting "up to speed".

Paul

Any word on layer changes? Any faster?

Bruno,

I haven't gotten around to checking this yet. I need to hook up an oscilloscope to the player's output to get a definitive answer. If I have time I will look at this tonight. Off-hand, does anyone know where the layer change is in say the Fifth Element Superbit DVD? I will use that DVD to check it. I should also check the WHQL disc as well....as this is what Kris Deering uses......but I need to get a copy.

Originally posted by rwestley
After you burn the CD be sure you have the file on it. If the file is correct it should work. I would suggest that you use Nero or Roxio and do not burn a multi session CD. I would also use a regular size CD if possible even though the
small Cd should work. Be sure to have patience through the update process.
It will take about 5 minutes.

Thank you!

Excellent, now the only thing need to be done is some one hack into this software and make it region free also. :D

oh damnation! Why couldn't this firmware have come out sooner? I returned my panasonic s97 specifically because of the pink tint problem, and I have since replaced it with a zenith dvb318. Now I have to go through buyer's remorse all over again.

A big 'thank you' to sango and liteup for posting the firmware update. I did mine without a hitch. Nice to see that red-channel noise and the MB brought down to FAR less objectionable levels.

Cheers,

Mike Flynn

You replaced a S97 with a DVB318...OMG!!!

Originally posted by VeloSlacker
oh damnation! Why couldn't this firmware have come out sooner? I returned my panasonic s97 specifically because of the pink tint problem, and I have since replaced it with a zenith dvb318. Now I have to go through buyer's remorse all over again.

Originally posted by AkaStp
Paul Bigelow: whats this rumor you mentioned about a newer (than 536) firmware version coming soon?

I have just seen someone who upgraded to the newer firmware (540) in Japanese BBS site.

Many thanks to Sango and liteup. It worked like a charm. You saved me a day off work and a 4 hour (each way) trip to Mississauga.

I first noticed the macroblocking problem when watching the credits on "The Ladykillers". The light was supposed to shine through the letters while the choir sang "Let it Shine On". Instead, it was just an inky mess. Now it looks like (I think) it's supposed to.

Originally posted by Sango
CkRtech,

I believe it's the cartoon that was shown in the 90s right? Might be the same show that I'm thinking about. They lived in a castle right, and the they turn to stone by day, living by night? Also some rich guy owning the castle as well.

Sango

Indeed. Great series. Surprised that it was done by Disney of all companies. Wonderful references to Shakespeare and Arthurian Legend....and up until a few days ago, a splash of macroblocking. :D

Great news tohoho! The Panasonic service person I spoke to suggested the next firmware would be out within the month and would solve the remaining pink problem (and any remaining macroblocking). I am going to call Panasonic Canada tomorrow and ask for version 840. In the meantime anyone who hasn't yet updated to v536 should do so as it is a big improvement. Maybe 840 is the version that eliminates it once and for all...

Originally posted by lorenzow
I first noticed the macroblocking problem when watching the credits on "The Ladykillers". The light was supposed to shine through the letters while the choir sang "Let it Shine On". Instead, it was just an inky mess. Now it looks like (I think) it's supposed to.

I just realized that when I flashed the firmware it went back to 480p output. When I reset it to 1080i the macroblocking in the Ladykillers credits was back.... :(

Thank you all anyway. It would have been worse had I made the trip and found out it didn't fix the problem.

Gentlemen, I used the settings originally recommended in the S97 main thread.

Has anyone suggested any adjustments with the updated firmwear?

I only switched back to 720p.

Thanks

Originally posted by jakeman
Maybe 840 is the version that eliminates it once and for all...

Here is the site comparing the scene from "Master And Commander ".

http://rdx1.hp.infoseek.co.jp/cgi-bin/upppu.cgi?action=view&disppage=3&no=2933&no2=15702&up=1

upper : Pioneer Theater System
middle : S97(firmware version 528)
lower : S97(firmware version 540)

Tohoho, If possible could you let us know if their is a link to the 540 firmware on the site or where you can find the link. I can not read Japanese.

Thanks.

Originally posted by tohoho
Here is the site comparing the scene from "Master And Commander ".

http://rdx1.hp.infoseek.co.jp/cgi-bin/upppu.cgi?action=view&disppage=3&no=2933&no2=15702&up=1

upper : Pioneer Theater System
middle : S97(firmware version 528)
lower : S97(firmware version 540)


If you can't reach Link, you may first go to following URL.

http://rdx1.hp.infoseek.co.jp/cgi-bin/upppu.cgi

or

http://rdx1.hp.infoseek.co.jp/ and press Upper Left button ( AV ... )


And goto page 3, No.2933.

tohoho,

If you can get the firmware...I can host it for all. I'd love to try 540 as well, if we can get it.

Have you tried 720p?

Originally posted by lorenzow
I just realized that when I flashed the firmware it went back to 480p output. When I reset it to 1080i the macroblocking in the Ladykillers credits was back.... :(

Thank you all anyway. It would have been worse had I made the trip and found out it didn't fix the problem.

jakeman

It must be 540, because 840 is too high of a number to jump IMO!!
----
The picture is here!
upper : Pioneer Theater System
middle : S97(firmware version 528)
lower : S97(firmware version 540)

http://img144.exs.cx/img144/1641/157024pt.th.jpg (http://img144.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img144&image=157024pt.jpg)

Originally posted by LiteUp!
You replaced a S97 with a DVB318...OMG!!!

Off topic, but Yes... I replaced the s97 with a dvb318. And what's wrong with that? There's no need for anyone to thumb their nose at the zenith because it can hold its own against players many times its cost. At the time, I liked the s97's extra features and better build quality, but felt it did nothing special for double the cost of the zenith. I grant you the zenith is not perfect, but in my opinion, it has better picture quality than the s97 had with the "old" firmware. I had both hooked up for a short period to compare. The pink in the s97 picture made it unwatchable to me. Now it sounds like the latest firmware addresses the pink. I might consider getting another s97 if I get to see one with the new firmware and I find a buyer for the zenith.

Anyway, back on topic...

Originally posted by rwestley
Tohoho, If possible could you let us know if their is a link to the 540 firmware on the site or where you can find the link. I can not read Japanese.

Thanks.

I don't have the Link to reach firmware itself. I have only seen someone who upgraded to newer firmware by sending back to HQ Service Center.

If you could not reach above comparison, please let me know how to upload .jpg file in this forum. I will try to upload the copied file from that site.

tohoho, the picture is in the forum up two posts !
---------------------

I have sent email to Panasonic reguarding this, I'll see what they have to say. I'm going through another source at Panasonic who "knows" what I'm looking for so I'm making progress.

I think the pictures should have an RP82 picture comparison up there too!

Originally posted by Sango
tohoho, the picture is in the forum up two posts !
---------------------

I have sent email to Panasonic reguarding this, I'll see what they have to say. I'm going through another source at Panasonic who "knows" what I'm looking for so I'm making progress.

Thank you. But I can't see the picture up three posts

The picture seems to show up intermittely as I just found out just now.

I have now uploaded it to my ISP webspace which fixed the problem.

Thanks Sango. I'll ask for v540 or whatever they are releasing after v536.

I just posted something simliar in the Brain Dump thread, but thought I'd mention it here as well.

In watching Alien vs. Predator tonight, I paused a scene and compared the picture differences in 480p vs. 720p vs. 1080i. While macroblocking hasn't been a huge problem for me, 480p yields a much cleaner image than does 720p, which in turn is much cleaner than 1080i.

FWIW, I'm going to recalibrate at 480p and watch some stuff I know I didn't like (Master & Commander comes to mind again, as does some of my first season of Wonder Woman [it's for the kids, really])

Originally posted by kevinha
FWIW, I'm going to recalibrate at 480p and watch some stuff I know I didn't like (Master & Commander comes to mind again, as does some of my first season of Wonder Woman [it's for the kids, really])

Dude. If you are going to pawn it off like that, then let me just say it -

Lynda Carter is hot!

In the pictures, the 540 looks darker. It looks better, but darker than the 528 picture above it. Can't say why.

Paul

Originally posted by Paul Bigelow
In the pictures, the 540 looks darker. It looks better, but darker than the 528 picture above it. Can't say why.

Paul

Originally, only above two pictures was posted in that site to show MB, as dated January 15. Yesterday, the man who posted that pictures added bottom picture to show comparison, since he got new firmware. So the setting difference may be occurred.

I upgraded the firmware tonight, and for my display (Sony HS51 projector) the macroblocking was greatly reduced, if not eliminated.

My test movie was The Hunt for Red October. Pre firmware update, I had severe macroblocking throughout the movie. After the upgrade, I watched about 2/3rd of the movie and didn't notice any obvious macroblocking (like I did before), but did see a little uneveness to the image which I think is a the macroblocking leftover/reduced macroblocking.

I also tested a couple of scenes in Alien vs Predator that I remembered seeing macroblocking in, and again it seemed almost eliminated.

The slight uneveness I see now is almost unnoticable unless I am actively looking for it. More causual users probably won't see it at all. I'm looking forward to the 540 version may improve it even more.

The service technician at Mississauga who installed v536 had mentioned a "final" version would be released within the month. I'm going to speak to him tomorrow to check if v540 is what he was referring to ten days ago. He has been very forthcoming about developments at Panasonic.

We should have a "proposal" to write to Panasonic Japan and with the help of tohoho to translate to them our ideas!!

Remake the DVD RP82/XP30/50 series the new 2004/2005 look. It will have the HDMI/DVI output with the same components which were used to make the orignal units with the latest support! Call it the DVD-S100!!

I'm now convinced that 480p shows far less artifacts on my display after looking at the Swelltone jet on DVE at all three resolutions. My camera is in my car (and it's cold outside!) so I'll try to get some pictures of the differences tomorrow and post them for reference.

Anyone else have a good reason why I should let the S97 upscale to 720p rather than letting the display do it?

Originally posted by Sango
We should have a "proposal" to write to Panasonic Japan and with the help of tohoho to translate to them our ideas!!


I suggest you to summarize your "proposal" in this forum and contact your local support center to tell Panasonic AVC department R&D engineers who developed S97 to see this forum. Generally, Engineers are good at both English and technical terms in Japan, so it is better than I translate.

upgrade did take way less than 5mins. Everything went well.

Menus do appear to be faster!

Panasonic should thank us ... they save plenty of money for everyone not taking them to the centers for upgrade, especially with 3 months deadlines closing in in a hurry.

tohoho,

Will have to see. I think Paul could write one better than I can. Also add Kris in too since he's got the equipment to test the units too and also indicate issues.

If you have an address to email address to Panasonic Japan, it's better for us to talk to them directly instead of going through our local Panny.

Sango

ready to upgrade firmware so i set up my s97 to source my panasonic 50HD plasma via both hdmi and component/vga to see what worked best.

master and commander seemed an excellent reference test since there are many grey sky backgrounds, plus fog and cannon smoke. before upgrade, watched opening sequence and saw considerable pink blotching in most fog sequences and some battle scenes. there was more splotching in hdmi feed scaling up to 1081 than in 480p component feed then upscaled by plasma display. however, there is far greater detail to my eye in hdmi picture.

upgraded to 536 firmware. reset all settings as before (user setup with +1 brightness and the darker black setting seems to deliver best picture) and double checked callibration with DVE.

watched same scenes with same two setups. pink blotching reduced by a bunch in both but still a bit more noticeable in hdmi signal upscaled by s97 than with component signal upscaled by display. but for this plasma and to my eye, the now subtle pink splotches after upscaling to 1080i are a small tradeoff for a considerably more detailed picture, particularly in darker areas.

thanks to all who made firmware available here. i'd probably enjoy this fantastic film even more if i wasn't looking for problems so i think with this upgrade i'm gonna give the tweaking a rest for a couple months.

Originally posted by Sango
tohoho,

If you have an address to email address to Panasonic Japan, it's better for us to talk to them directly instead of going through our local Panny.

Sango

Sorry, I don't have the email address directly to reach Panasonic HQ R&D engineers. Like other company, there is no publication about such addresses, so you need first to contact local support center to negotiate, such that "I'd like to cooperate to fix problems by user's side. And I'd like to contact R&D engineers directly to smooth communication, and so on ". Panasonic founding father, Kounosuke Matushita said "Customer is God (or King)", so they have to cooperate with you. Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha.

zebramidge,

I found that after the upgrade to 536, I could then set my brightness setting back to 0 (instead of +1 with 528) to get a perfect BTB setting with DVE. Did you not notice this too?

To others, I remember that Kris Deering noted that MB over DVI/HDMI was worse with 1080i and much less noticeable with 720p on the Denon players that use the FL2310. 1080i may be the worse MB case there is. Thankfully, my display is native 720p, so I have no need to use 1080i. Also, since this firmware upgrade resets all of the settings in unit back to default (as all of Panasonic's other firmware upgrades have done in the past), be sure to write down your settings before the upgrade and restore them afterwards for an equal/valid comparison.

liteup

not sure how to get a perfect btb with dve, but without +1 brightness adjustment from 97s i couldn't see outside bars of pluge test. so i bumped to +1 and calibrated from there. if there's a better way, let me know.

i did look at 720p v 1080i before and after firmware upgrade and didn't see much difference. they both looked like crap before and were dramatically improved after.

with 480p source scaled by plasma display i could barely see any pink splotching. unfortunately, there was less crispness and detail to picture and it felt a little smudgy overall.

again, this is one display, one movie and one set of eyeballs.

zebramidge,

OK....you are seeing the exact same thing I am. Correct me if I am wrong, but when set properly, the outside bar should be just invisible (equal to the background). I go up to +1 and I can see it clearly, back down to 0 and it is exactly the same darkness as the background (which is the correct setting). If you set it to high, such that you can see the outside bar, you may be crushing blacks a bit.

With the 528 firmware, I had to go up to +2 to make the outside black bar appear, so +1 was the correct setting. Now I can see it clearly at +1, so I am using 0.

Originally posted by LiteUp!
Have you tried 720p?

Yes, I have - with the same result as 1080i. I'm using my S97S on a Toshiba 34HFX84 direct view TV. It accepts 720p but will convert to 1080i or 540p depending on settings in the user menu.

I have the Panny S97S and an HLP5063 and have been going back on forth on whether I should upgrade to firmware v536 now on my own or just wait to see if the Service Centers will take care of it especially if v540 may be released soon. Based on those who have already performed the upgrade to v536 on their own, the results seem very positive...do I have anything to lose?

Skarpachi

Do it. You'll be pleased with the results.

I upgraded last night with no problems. I didn't see any dramatic differences, but the upgrade was painless.

v540

Spoke to Panasonic service centre this morning. They will be downloading v540 from their internal website later today. I was told to check back in tomorrow and they would install it into my player if available. I mentioned how pleased I was with v536 but still not there with pink and some macroblocking. He said v540 would be better still. We'll see.

jakeman,

Once the service center(s) in Canada have v540, do you think we will be able to get our hands on it like v536 w/o having to drop the player off at a service center?

Grrrr....ask them to email it to you as well. Then we can host it for all.

Originally posted by jakeman
v540

Spoke to Panasonic service centre this morning. They will be downloading v540 from their internal website later today. I was told to check back in tomorrow and they would install it into my player if available. I mentioned how pleased I was with v536 but still not there with pink and some macroblocking. He said v540 would be better still. We'll see.

It only makes sense for Panny to pass the firmware out to the masses to keep their costs down at the service centers! It looks like I will be picking up this player soon, hopefully it will have the latest firmware, but I am not too sure it will. I am glad to hear that Panasonic is actually updating the firmware instead of just waiting for the next version to come out.

Skarpachi and Liteup

I've asked before but he won't release the disc to me. He is prompt if the firmware is available but cites company policy (go figure?). I think we will have to rely on our Swedish friends again like Lappy4711 to get access for all. In any event, notwithstanding the US experience, I've seen excellent service from Panasonic.

If you are worried about messing up the upgrade to v536 it won't hurt to wait a few days. Hopefully by then I will have v540 installed and can report the results. In the meantime enjoy the player...its not like v528 doesn't provide great PQ.

Originally posted by Paul Bigelow
In the pictures, the 540 looks darker.

Paul


Not only that, but the newer firmware also looks softer. The sharpness is gone. I don't know if this is because of the settings before and after the upgrade???

If it isn't then I'm afraid of what I wrote earlier in the other thread about how the chipset itself is defective and any improvement in MB or Pink push is merely sacrificing other PQ characteristics. To me, loosing brighness and detail is not a good tradeoff.

I wouldn't start the alarms yet. These pictures were taken at two different times, different framings, who knows why they look different? It was just noted. Obviously, from the pictures no attempt was made to "match things up".

Paul

Exactly. There is no way to compare the pictures that were taken with a camera from afar. There is no way to know if the camera focused the same for each picture....and I am sure it did not.

I pray not. It would really suck if it does.

Sheer conjecture to base any conclusions on pictures over the net.

Agree with jakeman. Those who have already installed the new firmware have not mentioned any reduction in PQ. Most say it is much better!

I'm going to check with my servicer today and drop a hint about 540 coming out.

Paul

Originally posted by jcc
Not only that, but the newer firmware also looks softer. The sharpness is gone. I don't know if this is because of the settings before and after the upgrade???

If it isn't then I'm afraid of what I wrote earlier in the other thread about how the chipset itself is defective and any improvement in MB or Pink push is merely sacrificing other PQ characteristics. To me, loosing brighness and detail is not a good tradeoff.

On my system the picture definitely does not appear softer or less sharp, the blacks do look cleaner though which improves the entire picture. If the photos posted fairly represent the actual image (and I certainly hope not), macroblocking is the least of this guys problems. IMO, all the photos look horrendous and show that there was no attempt to perform reasonable calibration or at least take photos under similar conditions.

I upgraded my S97 and I do not see any increase in PQ (with my AE700) at 720 or 1080 after re-calibration.

Just my 2 cents.

Mark

Hi all.....lappy4711 here again.
I've just begun trying to wrestle the 540 firmware from panasonic sweden.
Stand by......

Woohooo..go Lars go!

Thanks lappy!

Paul

Yeah! Baby, Lar is DA MAN. Go get them TIGER!:D

Thanks lappy4711. I look forward to an update.

Hello,

An update with my experience via the "servicer" method. Apparently, Panasonic USA is "e-mailing" the fix to the servicer. We don't know what version. The update should happen within the next day or two.

Paul

Bought the player over the weekend locally and updated it to 536. Worked like a charm. Anxious to see what 540 will do.

Mr. Bigelow: Maybe the service centre can "forget" the CD in your machine if it contains the 540 update ;) .


Deb

Wouldn't that be nice! ;)

Paul

I just order a new S97 from Vanns.com. They just got a shipment in. I have been waiting all of January for their back order of units to come in. I should receive new unit this weekend or early next week. Hopefully it will come already updated with the new firmware. I will keep this thread posted as to the version of firmware that it comes installed with.

Now can someone tell me how I can find and confirm the firmware version?:)

If you look at the S97 FAQ thread, the answer to the question is already been posted.

http://img144.exs.cx/img144/3720/dscf00507da.th.jpg (http://img144.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img144&image=dscf00507da.jpg)

Not related but I'm just showing *part of my Panny colleciton lol!

--------------------------
Not the Panasonic firmware pic comparision been uploaded to ImageShack and updated the link to reflect it.

OK Sango, I don't see anything in "Gallery" yet!

Must be a small collection! ;)

Paul

That's weird, I can see Sango's URL to the picture in a search but can't see the URL (or picture) in the normal display of the message.

Maybe it's my browser.

Paul

It must be. It's fine on myside.

The link is a hotclickable thumb print image which opens a new window to the full image at Image Shack.
--------------------
I decided to post my other part since (someone he he he) had to ask about my S97!

http://img128.exs.cx/img128/281/dscf00516ue.th.jpg (http://img128.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img128&image=dscf00516ue.jpg)

Paul, I just posted this on the other Panasonic thread.....

Paul,
Perhaps between 9:00-9:30 P.S.T., your people phoned my people and essentially were directed to the proper Panasonic people for PeopleSoft perfection.
Penton

Ah!

Thank you!

Paul

Ah!

Thank you! From one people to another people!

Paul

Thanks Sango,

As an AVS Forum Supervisor you just sent me to a thread with over 139 pages to read thru. I will get up with you next week to thank you.

Sorry I even asked.

Actually the information is posted on the first post, first page of this thread and the first post, first page of the S97 FAQ thread as well.

Here it is:

Press and hold on the player the buttons "PAUSE" + "OPEN" and press the "7" button on the remote. The full version will be displayed on the florescent read out and the last 3 numbers on the right is the version number.

Paul

Thank you, I appreciate the information.

Thanks again.

Originally posted by LiteUp!
Have you tried 720p?

720p does the same thing.

My LG7832 doesn't exhibit this behavior. If I can get my wife away from the Food Channel, I'll check out the Sammy 934 as well.

Has anybody seen any PQ issues caused by upgrading the firmware to 536? I want to upgrade, but I don't want to introduce any problems that weren't there previously.

Daniel,

No complaints at all so far. Everyone is agreeing that picture quality is improved. Go for it.

vonzoog:

The reason I mentioned it is because this is a common question. Paul has indicated that these types of questions will be posted on the first page of the thread(as you notice he does edit it constantly). This applies to this thread well. I forgot about this thread when I intially replied and you felt a bit upset(because I saw the FAQ thread) which apoligize because I also was referring to this one as well.

Everyone should at least read the first page because when they are not reading it and ask a question which has already been answered, it's not fair for us to re-post the same information. This happened to me so many times in the past when I had my firmware thread up that I got tired of it.

I hope you understand.

Sango

Paul, Did you get your player back with th new firmware. Can't wait for your report. Any news on 540 firmware?

Sango,

Thanks for your response and I do understand where you are coming from.

No hard feeling and sorry for my frustration.

When my Panny arrives, I will update this thread as to whether the new units are arriving with the new firmware.

Do you need to upgrade to the v536 first, or can you go straight from v528 to v540 with the S97?

rwestley,

Haven't been notified to pick up the player yet. It could be as soon as today, I suppose. I would hope that it would be ready by tomorrow. Can't imagine that the process of burning a CD and upgrading would take very long.

Paul

jodeci,

You could go straight to v540 from v528. I hope we get v540 soon. Lars, have you had any luck yet?

Originally posted by jodeci
Do you need to upgrade to the v536 first, or can you go straight from v528 to v540 with the S97?

You should be able to go from any version to any other version. Firmware is not an upgrade process, it's an overlay process.

Just did the upgrade myself. Drag and drop the file in XP and let XP do the burning (no need to get any fancy burner program). Anywho, went off without a hitch in 2 minutes.

Quick impression shows improvement to macroblocking in AOTC, even in the red office of Palpatine. Even showed some improvement in bad transfers (Blade, chapter 9) Both the backgroud of the meeting and the red curtain showed less "busyness".

Will do some more work later, but must sleep now (have to return to work tonight).

Want to thank Paul and Sango for ALL of their hard work re: S97 and props to LiteUp for the file ..... now go get that 540

Also, anti-props to Panny for their POOR efforts to work the community to test/improve their products.

Later

Lars here with an update. I just dropped a (very kind and servile) mail to
the same panasonic sweden guy who mailed a person here the 536 firmware. We'll see what happens. If he's kind and if he can obtain it, who knows, we might have it in a day or two. I'll keep you all posted.

Thanks lappy!

Hopefully I should have my player back. It might be another wild 'S97 weekend!

Paul

I gotten a response from Panasonic on my end.

They are going to look into it since I emailed to them about it.

Will see what happends from there.

To add to Bill's reply:

The firmware does have version checks so it will only update. If the firmware is already up to date, the unit will just reset and saids it's complete without going through the update process. The way it would work for downgrading is if it was modified to eliminate the version checks(overrule) then it will invoke the update process reguardless of version.

I spoke to my contact at Panasonic today who has been very reliable. No versions above 536 are available yet though he will keep checking. Possible reason is 540 or any other upgrade has not been authorized yet for release out of Japan. Or v540 is not the version they want to release to the public. Stay tuned.

With 536, I am getting pixel cropping on the left hand side on 1080i. This translates to a virtual 5% overscan on the left side of the image.

I'm using 720p with no problems though.

Pocoloco,

I checked this as well with DVE in 720p (my normal operating mode) and see no pixel cropping at all with 536 (same as with 528). I haven't tried 1080i since my display is 720p native. Interesting.

You can somewhat compensate for the pixel cropping by adjusting the horizontal sync on your display. Sometimes, dvd players have an option to do a horizontal shift but the panny does not have this.

Regardless, at 1080i you will still have some pixel cropping on either side, but no cropping on the top and bottom. It's still acceptable but not perfect :)

I wonder if this could be display dependent. I have an HT1000. I guess we can wait and see if others are seeing the same thing on other displays.

pocoloco,

I can try to check this on my Sanyo Z2 tonight at 1080i. I'll let you know.

Sorry, but can anybody give me the basics on how to burn this firmware to disc? I just tried copying it on CD-R using windows media and when I placed it in the S97 the player display read "NGFILE" and my TV display read: "Firmware Update"


"File is not compatible"
"Please eject this disc"

Also, I can't open the file on my CPU (Is it b/c I don't have the program installed??) What am I doing wrong?

It is usually very easy to burn this type of disk. If you have Windows XP you burn it directly. I have used both Nero Express or Roxio with no problems.
This is not an ISO file.

My guess is that you have not unzipped the file. Right click on the download and unzip to a folder. After the folder is unzipped copy the file to the burning program you are using. If you just copy the Zipped file you will not be able to
use it.

1. Download and unzip file to a folder. Right click on mouse to unzip extract
2. Open the Program (Nero, Windows Xp Roxio)
3. Select data disk.
4. Add the unzipped file DVDPUPDT
5. Burn CD
6. Open CD to be sure you have file DVDPUPDT

Good Luck

Just burn it to disc like any other data file. If you can read the file on the disc with windows, it should be fine. Do not burn with any multisession stuff enabled. Just a one-time write and finalize, which should be standard. You can use Wordpad to open the file. It is binary, so it will appear as a bunch of garbage....but it it opens at all from the disc you burned...it should work in the player.

Can't seem to open the burned disc with windows--maybe burned it while still in zip file. Using the right click on mouse after download doesn't seem to show an 'unzip file'. Do I 'open' or 'save' download when first connecting? Sorry, 'bout all the confusion, never had to burn anything like this...only VCD's for karaoke!! hehehe...


OK. Just got things working right on 2nd try. Popped in disc and chose yes for firmware update. Thanks rwestley/Liteup!

Yes...don't burn the .zip file to the disc. You need to unzip (decompress) it. I put a help file in the zip file as well telling you how to do all this. Just burn the "DVDPUPDT.FRM" file to the disc. LOL. This file is 4MB in size.

Great Stuff Here, Thanks to everyone for thier inputs...

Has anyone tried the new firmware using DVI?

I have a BenQ PE8700+ with a DVI input and need to know if this will pass blacker than black, macroblocking or any other problems converting to DVI.

Could we get a side by side comparison of what problems the new firmware has fixed?

Maybe list the known problems with the player in one column and a fixed check mark with the firmware in another.

afasso,

I suggest you try reading some of the thread.....we have been talking about this for ages. Yes, the player passes BTB on all outputs. You should also look at the Secrets shootout results for this player....it doesn't have many problems.

The anxiety continues...!!

alfasso,

The problems noted with HDMI occur with DVI. Not to say that there won't be any specific conflict issue with a particular display but I know of no specific HDMI->DVI related problem.

Audio cannot be passed via DVI.

Paul

flashed the player with the new firmware, however, it has not solved my macroblocking woes. My macroblocking test disk is Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. It seems like the new firmware has not helped at all in this movie :(

There is still macroblocking on the walls in the first scene where Harry is in his bedroom. It is quite bad and very unenjoyable. Seems pretty much the same as what it was before. :(

I will try out more movies later when I have time. I watched "Vertical Limit" last week, pre-new firmware obviously, and I did not notice any macroblocking. However, most of this movie takes place outside where it is bright, with white snow everywhere, and etc, so macroblocking would not be very apparent there anyways. i didn't notice any in the scenes with the girl and those 2 guys who are stuck under the snow from the avalanch (fairly dark in those scenes)

steel102,

Great signature...LOL!

Did you reset all of the players settings to where they were before the upgrade, since the upgrade puts these setting back to factory default mode? You are the first person out of many to say macroblocking in your case was not greatly minimized.

If you did, are you sure this is not normal MPEG noise as encoded on the disc? Or true macroblocking? Is this an original copy of the movie?

thanks ;)

Yes I did put back all my old settings:
black level -> lighter
outputting 720p over HDMI
-1 on contrast, +2 for brightness
Color mode YCbCr 4:4:4

TV is a Samsung HLP6163W w/ contrast at 90, brightness 53, sharpness 3, and color 50.

Im not sure whether it is normal MPEG noise or what, it is noticeable pretty much everywhere where it is dark or indoors in that movie. It is especially noticeable in the "Warner Brothers" logo with the clouds that comes at the beginning of the film. I have not had a chance to test out any other movies with the new firmware, so I will watch some more and post back.

Im not sure what you mean by original copy of the movie. It is the retail version you could buy at any store like Best Buy or Circuit City. It is not pirated, or a back up copy or whatever.

Originally posted by afasso
Great Stuff Here, Thanks to everyone for thier inputs...

Has anyone tried the new firmware using DVI?

I have a BenQ PE8700+ with a DVI input and need to know if this will pass blacker than black, macroblocking or any other problems converting to DVI.

Could we get a side by side comparison of what problems the new firmware has fixed?

Maybe list the known problems with the player in one column and a fixed check mark with the firmware in another.

I have a BenQ PE8700 with a DVI input and I notice no problems:)

You burn the disc as ISO since it's just like a normal data disc as if you were backing up your files.
--------------
steel102:

Just curious, why aren't you setting the black level at darker? Typically most users use darker. I think in progressive mode it, override to darker anyway(not confirmed, but I believe it does).

Sango

First, thank you very, very much to two of you for posting the firmware on the site. I did upgrade and noticed significant improvements.

For me, the biggest improvement is getting rid of pink cast over clouds on many movies. Certainly, macroblocking has improved also.

There is one puzzing thing. After the upgrade, I found that the picture quality got softer and had to increase the sharpness setting to +4 (from zero prior to). Fortunately, I have not noticed any added noise but it does seem bit odd (I'm viewing on Plasma monitor).

Originally posted by steel102
thanks ;)

Yes I did put back all my old settings:
black level -> lighter
outputting 720p over HDMI
-1 on contrast, +2 for brightness
Color mode YCbCr 4:4:4

TV is a Samsung HLP6163W w/ contrast at 90, brightness 53, sharpness 3, and color 50.

Im not sure whether it is normal MPEG noise or what, it is noticeable pretty much everywhere where it is dark or indoors in that movie. It is especially noticeable in the "Warner Brothers" logo with the clouds that comes at the beginning of the film. I have not had a chance to test out any other movies with the new firmware, so I will watch some more and post back.

Im not sure what you mean by original copy of the movie. It is the retail version you could buy at any store like Best Buy or Circuit City. It is not pirated, or a back up copy or whatever.

Hi,

If you are noticing a lot of noise in your picture it could be due to incorrectly set contrast. I note from your settings that you've set contrast at 90 and if the middle setting is 50 (I downloaded the manual) 90 then seems like it could be on the high side of things. I also note from the manual that it appears that 90 is the factory defualt setting for contrast and while this setting may spread the displays feathers in a showroom environment it's unlikely this setting would be suitable for home viewing.

If you haven't yet calibrated your display using either thx patterns or other calibration disks try reducing your contrast to around 50 and see what that does for you.

I'll keep going: To rule out display calibration as a potential source of your problems try adjusting your set as follows:

Menu->Picture->Mode-> CUSTOM (set everthing to 50)
Menu->Picture->Color Temp-> NORMAL
Menu->Picture->Digital NR-> OFF
Menu->Picture->DNLE-> OFF (DNLE enhances detail, contrast and whites whites; all potential noise inducers)
Menu->Picture->MCC-> STANDARD

So, if you haven't already, give those settings a try to see if that solves your noise problem.

mgkg3,

Did you reset all of your customized settings back to where you had them after the upgrade that put them back to factory defaults? No one else has noticed this. Maybe you are now in 480i mode instead of 720p or 1080i.

Originally posted by mgkg3
First, thank you very, very much to two of you for posting the firmware on the site. I did upgrade and noticed significant improvements.

For me, the biggest improvement is getting rid of pink cast over clouds on many movies. Certainly, macroblocking has improved also.

There is one puzzing thing. After the upgrade, I found that the picture quality got softer and had to increase the sharpness setting to +4 (from zero prior to). Fortunately, I have not noticed any added noise but it does seem bit odd (I'm viewing on Plasma monitor).

Originally posted by steel102
flashed the player with the new firmware, however, it has not solved my macroblocking woes.

It is recommended to confirm your S97's firmware version, which is really updated or not. In Japan, someone flashed the S97 with firmware version 536 which was posted in this forum. But his firmware did not change and still 528, even if firmware updating process seemed to be finished normally. There seemed to be some differences in firmware between regions and could not update in particular regions.

tohoho,

Did you ask them to try the reset sequence to see if that makes a difference.

I did the reset sequence once I flashed mine.

Also can you provide the email address to Panasonic Japan?

Sango

Originally posted by Sango
tohoho,

Did you ask them to try the reset sequence to see if that makes a difference.

I did the reset sequence once I flashed mine.

Also can you provide the email address to Panasonic Japan?

Sango

Thank you, Sango

But there is slightly difference in firmware version between the one in this forum and Japan. Japanese S97's new firmware version is 85D536, not 85E536 in this forum. It seems this makes Japanese S97 refuse firmware updating.

tohoho

Ahh that's probably why.

However, is the new version that you mentioned the 85E540 or it's really a 85D540? Just wanted to get clairifaction.

Thanks

Originally posted by Sango
tohoho,

Also can you provide the email address to Panasonic Japan?

Sango

There is not publicated direct email address. Only Q&A form is ready in Panasonic Japan Web site.

https://sec.panasonic.co.jp/cs/japan/sec-cgi-bin/03csform.cgi?selectj=avc11

You need translation software to use above site.

Originally posted by Sango
tohoho

Ahh that's probably why.

However, is the new version that you mentioned the 85E540 or it's really a 85D540? Just wanted to get clairifaction.

Thanks

Yes, old version is 85D528, newer version is 85D540.

I have just seen someone who bought S97 in mid December last year, which firmware version is 85D531 in Japanese BBS site.

Updated firmware today to v536. Still noticed some 'pink banding' but fairly reduced. MB is not as big a problem for me on my Panny DLP unlike the pink noise. Hopefully v540 when available will eliminate same.

Just received reply from John Doe, a panasonic technician. He was un-familiar with the 540 firmware, not anymore though. I told him to try to get it for me, we'll see what happens.

Lappy, I sent you a PM.

Thanks Lappy. Hope you have success again.

I was told v540 isn't available outside Japan yet but may become available next week.

Originally posted by lappy4711
Just received reply from Christer, swedish panasonic technician. He was un-familiar with the 540 firmware, not anymore though. I told him to try to get it for me, we'll see what happens.

Lappy, this is valuable info you are providing but I fear that divulging the name and country of your source then this info may eventually be forced to dry up. I'm certain it is against Pansonic policy for their technicians to supply the general public with this type of file so maybe under the circumstances less candor should be exercised.

Just a thought.

Regards,

Might be a good idea to remove the name and country from the quote. ;)

Paul

Better clean that up pronto!

Lappy, I sent you another PM.

Oh yes, recommend you to take out the name and which Panasonic.
----------------------------

Hugh:

That seems like it applies to Canada because they they it has properly rights.

(oh yeah, take out that quote!!)

OK, finally took the plunge, and I now have a still region-free European S97 with 536 instead of 528 :)
Now I will check what has actually changed/improved ;)

Good advice Sango.

Doesn't make sense to reveal the names of our contacts at Panasonic.

Originally posted by Sango


Hugh:

That seems like it applies to Canada because they they it has properly rights.



Sorry, I tried but have no idea what this means.:) Could you rephrase that for me?

I ment about sending firmware.
We know that the other Panasonics have been doing it but Panasonic Canada saids they can't because of interlectual propery rights.

Originally posted by jakeman
Good advice Sango.

Doesn't make sense to reveal the names of our contacts at Panasonic.

I agree, but why does Sango get credit for everything?

Sango,

I wasn't aware of that, thanks.

Originally posted by Sango
I ment about sending firmware.
We know that the other Panasonics have been doing it but Panasonic Canada saids they can't because of interlectual propery rights.

I guess they're afraid we'll reverse engineer it. Hmmm...

Update:

My servicer has been waiting for days for Panasonic USA to send them an email attachment with the firmware. Attempts to get the firmware by the servicer results in promises by Panasonic to e-mail the firmware but the e-mail is never received (or sent).

Called Panasonic to get the ball rolling. Grrrrrrrr.......

Paul

Originally posted by mikaels
OK, finally took the plunge, and I now have a still region-free European S97 with 536 instead of 528 :)
Now I will check what has actually changed/improved ;)

Hi all and hello mikaels,

i want to hear all about it !! ;-)

Cause, i am still refusing to update my player. Some posts in this thread are reporting that the Code Free Mod will not work after the Update.

Wich statement should i trust now?

thanx for your help

MAD242

maybe you should just give your service center a copy of the firmware posted here. I'm sure you can tell them to claim that they installed it for you after receiving the email and still collect the fee. Panasonic will never know the difference. You'll have your unit back sooner too.

Call them and see if they're willing...

Hugh:

I wish I knew! I bought it off your idea lol!! (I'm sorry!)

The properly right thing, I finally gotten the answer from Canada today after asking them why wouldn't they send it out.

Sango

mad242:

The mod is more like may. Some people had success to far but it's at your own risk.

I know the firmware which I've released(for other units) did make mods into stock units and told people not to do it. Some people found out the hard way thou, me being the first until I got the patched one which fix it.

Sango

Originally posted by mgkg3
First, thank you very, very much to two of you for posting the firmware on the site. I did upgrade and noticed significant improvements.

For me, the biggest improvement is getting rid of pink cast over clouds on many movies. Certainly, macroblocking has improved also.

There is one puzzing thing. After the upgrade, I found that the picture quality got softer and had to increase the sharpness setting to +4 (from zero prior to). Fortunately, I have not noticed any added noise but it does seem bit odd (I'm viewing on Plasma monitor).

Anyone else notice PQ problems after the upgrade?

jcc,

Sounds like an idea but they're probably not willing to jepordize their official service center status. If, by some chance, the "unofficial" update goes wrong, everyone's in trouble.

Paul

You don't need to sweat it because they will still get the "official" firmware regardless. If the one you give them fails they can always flash it with the "official" one once it arrives. No harm done.

Anyway, it was just a suggestion. If you don't feel like haggling with them it's no sweat.

Well, I can't speak for anyone but myself and my PiPro modded player, and I must admit I was a bit apprehensive of downloading a file from the internet to enter into my new DVD player at first, but after people here and on a Swedish forum I frequent
(wwwDOTprisjaktDOTnuSLASHforum, apparently I'm not yet allowed to link...) had told me the region-free mod would not be affected, I finally risked it. Still haven't had time to check anything else but the fact that it still plays my R1 (incl RCE), R2, R3 and R4 discs seemingly with no problems (hevn't checked them all, thought ;)).
Now that my dauhgter is finally sleeping, I will check how it looks on my AE700 :).

Sango

thank you for your help.

maybe i should yust stay with the "never change a running system" - phrase until there is a 100% guarantee.

I agree, but why does Sango get credit for everything?

Hugh2

You're right I should have credited you as well with that good advice. Fact is I have always found both of your commentaries very insightful. I just keyed off Sango because it was the last post. Besides I have as much Panasonic equipment as he does. Regrets.