Buffalo LinkTheater BETA 08-31 Firmware Discussion [Text View]

dkaplan

07-15-05, 01:01 PM

After using the LT for a few months, here are my issues with it, which are largely still there with the previous beta firmware. I will download the new one tonight and start playing with it to see if it fixes some of the issues.

1) Many issues with the LT hanging up or ignoring the remote control:
It is very common to start the LT with a DVD inserted, and if you try to stop it or eject it while the system is starting to have either the remote not work or the LT hang. This happens to me at least 20% of the time, and it is quite annoying.

2) Compatibility issues with DVD formats:
I have several DVD backups that I created using DVDXCopy. Those backups have a splash screen and then they skip the menus to go to the main movie. I found that many of those are unplayable on the LT, even though they play fine in 3 other DVD players that I have. This is not a media issue, as I have other DVDs done using the same media that play fine, and I have also tried to copy one of the non-working DVDs to other media with no changes in the LT's ability to play that DVD.

3) Bad error tracking:
If the DVD is not in very good shape, the error tracking in the LT is pretty bad. I have a $65 Philips DVD that is awesome at error tracking. Buffalo should probably consider using a better DVD drive in the product.

4) Firmware update blues:
It is pretty annoying to have to reprogram the unit every time the software is updated. You should come up with a way of saving the settings in RAM while the update is going on, so you can reapply them before rebooting. I work in the cellular phone industry, and we have been doing that for years. Entering the encryption key using the remote is a lot of work and could be avoided without a lot of work.

5) Shifted HD image:
For some reason, the image on my HD TV is shifted up a few pixels. As a result, I lose a bit of the top of the image. I do not have this problem with the HD cable box or with my Progressive scan DVD player (but that one is 480p). I believe the problem is in the LT. Have you seen this in your LT?

Besides the above, I'm generally happy with the LT and it is great at playing media files from my computer. I do not regret buying it, but I would LOVE to see the remote control issues fixed and have the LT become a bit more stable.

-Diego Kaplan

remichel

07-15-05, 01:01 PM

sorry Brian, I would have to say that the static issue is worse in the latest firmware.

musicnyman

07-15-05, 01:50 PM

tried to install the new firmware from the beta page and get this error after it's downloaded to the LT:

Wrong Signature
System Error 0xdead15

I'm running Windows Media edition of XP if that matters. and i installed linktheater-12.exe first before doing the upgrade. do i maybe need to reset back to factory firmware and then try again from scratch?

i'll try some other things and let you know...

Ceej42

07-15-05, 01:51 PM

I noticed the firmware email stated that one of the fixes was "True 1080i support." What does that refer to? I'm running my BLT in 1080i just fine currently...

musicnyman

07-15-05, 01:55 PM

musicnyman

07-15-05, 02:12 PM

works now. i updated LT with RUN UPDATE (07-60-050609-02-LTI-240-000.bin) first before running 8-31. it's upgrading now...

all good... testing rhapsody now :)

rhapsody works. i'm a happy camper! thanks! so far no problems to report.

ThurstonX

07-15-05, 02:15 PM

musicnyman

07-15-05, 02:23 PM

Hi all.
This is my first beta firmware update. I haven't used the BLT's Web surfing capabilities yet, but understand how they work. Would it be possible to create a bookmark that points to the latest .bin file on a drive local to the PC running PCast, and have the BLT update using that bookmark?

Any tips on applying firmware updates in general would be much appreciated!

Thanks a lot, Brian, for taking the time to do all this :-)

I'll post results later today.

here is what i did:

- i have my default browser set to firefox in the LT software running on my PC
- go to the firmware page and bookmar this in your browser
- on the LT, go to services then bookmarks and you'll see it on the list. click on it. then click on the bin file, and that's it.

or you mean to say you don't have internet access from the LT so you can't download from bookmarks on the PC?

ThurstonX

07-15-05, 02:34 PM

here is what i did:

- i have my default browser set to firefox in the LT software running on my PC
- go to the firmware page and bookmar this in your browser
- on the LT, go to services then bookmarks and you'll see it on the list. click on it. then click on the bin file, and that's it.

or you mean to say you don't have internet access from the LT so you can't download from bookmarks on the PC? Thanks for the quick reply. I have Net access, so that's not a problem. Running a firmware update over the Net seems a bit dicey (what if your WAN connection dies in the middle of it). Obviosuly it works, tho :-)

My question was, will the BLT use a bookmark (gonna be using IE, since Opera doesn't appear to be supported; please correct me if I'm wrong) regardless of where it points? I've already downloaded both .bins (thx for the tip on applying the older one first!). It's possible to create a bookmark of a local file, like:

LOCAL COPY Fahrenheit - Centigrade Temperature Conversion.url

where the path is like:

C:\Documents and Settings\<LOCAL USER>\My Documents\temp_convert.html

IE opens the page just fine. Wondering if the BLT can do so. Probably no harm in trying. I'll let y'all know one way or the other.

musicnyman

07-15-05, 02:42 PM

musicnyman

07-15-05, 02:43 PM

Thanks for the quick reply. I have Net access, so that's not a problem. Running a firmware update over the Net seems a bit dicey (what if your WAN connection dies in the middle of it). Obviosuly it works, tho :-)

My question was, will the BLT use a bookmark (gonna be using IE, since Opera doesn't appear to be supported; please correct me if I'm wrong) regardless of where it points? I've already downloaded both .bins (thx for the tip on applying the older one first!). It's possible to create a bookmark of a local file, like:

LOCAL COPY Fahrenheit - Centigrade Temperature Conversion.url

where the path is like:

C:\Documents and Settings\<LOCAL USER>\My Documents\temp_convert.html

IE opens the page just fine. Wondering if the BLT can do so. Probably no harm in trying. I'll let y'all know one way or the other.

i don't see why it wouldn't work. just use file:// in the bookmark which IE should do anyway.

also, it's pretty safe to do this over the network. it verifies the image after the download and won't install the firmware unless it checks out.

BrianV

07-15-05, 02:47 PM

BrianV

07-15-05, 02:49 PM

i've encountered two problems so far:

1) LT froze when i hit stop after playing a radio station. i had to power it off and power it back on. gave it a good 5-7 minutes before powering it off.

2) weird screen problems when viewing rhapsody folders. screenshot attached. goes away once i go to "home" again and look at something else. only happens in rhapsody so far.

If you ever get that weird looking screen it's because the player couldn't receive the content before it timed out (e.g. the download was too slow). If this is constantly a problem let me know and we can look into it, but I only get that when I have like 0 bandwith in my pipe.

Which station were you listening to?

BrianV

07-15-05, 02:51 PM

If you don't want to do the install over the internet (which I can understand your concerns) then you can download the bin file and make your own HTML file using the same syntax are our HTML but just change the href location to a local drive path.

NOTE: Doing it over the internet doesn't really lower your risk though. If the file doesn't completely download it's not going to perform the update anyway (it will say the file is incomplete or it has the wrong signature). Once the file has been downloaded (which happens before it erases the ROM) it does not need the net connection anymore. Thus, copying it locally is really only more work for you. If your net connection dies during the update it will either have already started in which case it wouldn't matter since it's done with the internet download or it would happen during the download and the updater would not actually perform the update. Does that make sense?

musicnyman

07-15-05, 02:56 PM

If you ever get that weird looking screen it's because the player couldn't receive the content before it timed out (e.g. the download was too slow). If this is constantly a problem let me know and we can look into it, but I only get that when I have like 0 bandwith in my pipe.

Which station were you listening to?

the radio station that froze was "children's music"

i have cable modem with plenty of bandwidth, but maybe it was bogged down to rhapsody. i'll keep a lookout for this again and let you know.

thanks brian!

ThurstonX

07-15-05, 02:59 PM

Run 06-45 first and then go back and run 08-31.
Brian, I was wondering about these two files:
Stepstone Firmware:
06-45-050422-02-LTI-254-000.bin
06-04-050328-04-LTI-240-000.bin

Are they required for the BLT? I'd interpret your post as saying, run the first one, then the latest (08-31). If so, does that mean 06-04-050328-04-LTI-240-000.bin & 07-60-050609-02-LTI-240-000.bin is not needed at all?

What is the Stepstone firmware, exactly?

TIA.

ThurstonX

07-15-05, 03:00 PM

gavin20

07-15-05, 03:23 PM

BrianV

07-15-05, 03:24 PM

Brian, I was wondering about these two files:
Stepstone Firmware:
06-45-050422-02-LTI-254-000.bin
06-04-050328-04-LTI-240-000.bin

Are they required for the BLT? I'd interpret your post as saying, run the first one, then the latest (08-31). If so, does that mean 06-04-050328-04-LTI-240-000.bin & 07-60-050609-02-LTI-240-000.bin is not needed at all?

What is the Stepstone firmware, exactly?

TIA.

Thurston, I once release a version firmware that would no longer allow for updating. I can't remember the exact version, but it was only to a limited amount of people a while back. Anyways, the users with that specific firmware can use 06-45 to stepstone back to regular firmwares.

06-04 was an earlier beta firmware before 07-60, many users have used it for a long period of time. 07-60 firmware added 2 channel WMA Pro support and WMA Pro surround support wth WMA Pro receivers. It also fixed majority of the remote control issues. The new one adds true 1080i support, by that I mean it natively works in 1920x1080, it doesn't downres everything to 720p like it did before. Now your TV may still down-res 1080i to 720p depending on which of the two is its native HD setting.

BrianV

07-15-05, 03:25 PM

Initial playing Mp3's are garbled up - sounds like they are playing at a high rate of speed for the first ~10 seconds. I tried disabling photo's while playing MP3's - still with the same affect. Buffering issue? Anyone know how to fix this?

Specs:

Wireless Linksys 54G(hacked firmware) - WEP 128
1080i - HD browser mode
Affects various bitrate MP3's

Thanks!

Gavin

I was hoping to get a wireless signal meter included in this version, but it'll likely be the next version. Do you know what rateset it's working at? I'll try mine at home and lower my receive sensitivity and see when it starts garbling. It doesn't have problems with wired connections right now.

dennismullen

07-15-05, 03:59 PM

Brian, It's great to see some progress on the 1080i picture viewing problems. I'm a little bummed that the overscan issue hasn't been fixed though. Will the new software fix the recompression of the picture before sending problem?

Pushing play to start a slide show always starts at the beginning of the list, even if you have a picture in the middle of the list selected. It would be nice if I could select a point in the list to start the slideshow.

gavin20

07-15-05, 04:12 PM

I was hoping to get a wireless signal meter included in this version, but it'll likely be the next version.

Found the problem - my mistake. My client NIC is Wireless-B. Wired straight to my router and wifi to the Linktheater - no problems so far. :)

Pennhaven

07-15-05, 04:19 PM

Brian,

The 1080i rendering is a very nice improvement, but only with 2 megapixel photos. Unfortunately there is still a significant issue with higher resolution images.

First let me say that I am using Momitsu 1.4 as my PC server because it does not downsize the photo resolution for streaming like Buffalo 1.2 does. Perhaps the problem with higher res photos will be addressed with the new Buffalo PC software, but I am not optimistic as it seems much more likely that the issue is with the firmware.

With 2 megapixel (1600 x 1200) images this combination works well. There is a very noticeable improvement in resolution on my 1080i display. We're finally getting somewhere!

However, with 4 megapixel (2288 x 1712) images there is a problem with the sizing of landscape aspect (i.e., width 2288 - height 1712) images. For some reason the firmware is displaying these photos using only about 85% of the screen height. i.e., there are black bands above and below the image. Also even if the image is manually zoomed to fill the screen vertically it does not appear to have as much resolution as the (nominally lower resolution) 2 megapixel photos do.

Note that 4 megapixel images in portrait aspect (i.e., width 1712 - height 2288) are sized as they should be, using the full height of the screen. So it is a possibility that the firmware is arbitrarily downscaling the landcape oriented images by the same factor as it does the portrait oriented ones. However, this does not happen with 2 megapixel images. Those display using the full screen height for both portrait and landscape orientation.

I am glad there is some progress on this issue and I appreciate your efforts to get the beta software to us for testing. It does bother me, however, that the software developers do not catch issues like this themselves.

Pennhaven

07-15-05, 04:24 PM

Brian, It's great to see some progress on the 1080i picture viewing problems. I'm a little bummed that the overscan issue hasn't been fixed though.

I also was looking for some progress with the excessive overscan.

Pennhaven

07-15-05, 04:31 PM

I noticed the firmware email stated that one of the fixes was "True 1080i support." What does that refer to? I'm running my BLT in 1080i just fine currently...

The earlier firmware renders the image at 720p and then upscales/converts it to 1080i, so even though you are getting a "just fine" output to your 1080i display, it does not really contain 1080 unique lines of resolution. The new firmware renders all 1080 lines so there is a noticeable improvement on a 1080i display.

dkeller

07-15-05, 05:04 PM

Brian,

However, with 4 megapixel (2288 x 1712) images there is a problem with the sizing of landscape aspect (i.e., width 2288 - height 1712) images. For some reason the firmware is displaying these photos using only about 85% of the screen height. i.e., there are black bands above and below the image. Also even if the image is manually zoomed to fill the screen vertically it does not appear to have as much resolution as the (nominally lower resolution) 2 megapixel photos do.

If you press 'info' button when you viewing this image you will see that it's probably resized to 960x720 by the PC software. I complained about this problem three months ago. Any image above 3MP will be downsized beyond recognition before it sent to LT (presumably to reduce bandwidth consumption). 4MP and 5MP cameras already considered "low end" and here we are getting images botched from 5MP to 0.5MP by so called HD media player. I hope 1.3 version of the PC software will give us more control over image size and resizing.

David

BrianV

07-15-05, 05:05 PM

Someone please email me a photo that's being down-res'd or compressed.

brian@buffalotech.com

I will verify it with the new software.

Thanks

BrianV

07-15-05, 05:15 PM

I just viewed a 5MP picture (on the 1.2 software) and it was resized to 1440x1080; on prior firmwares it was downsized to 960x720. Perhaps my file wasn't big enough in size (MB). If someone sends me one they are having problems with I can verify it.

dennismullen

07-15-05, 05:20 PM

BrianV

07-15-05, 05:26 PM

I received a file so you don't need to send me anymore. I'm discussing my findings with the member who sent me the file.

Thanks

BrianV

07-15-05, 05:30 PM

Brian, if you crop out a 1920x1080 picture from a bigger picture, from your digital camera and save it as a bitmap (.bmp) it will be about 6meg. If you view it and then look in the cache folder you will find the picture actually sent to the LT is a jpg about 2k with no where near the resolution.
dennis, the max resolution the LT can display is 1920x1080, thus all pictures greater than either 1920 or 1080 are resized to that limit. The files are smaller in size because the picture is now physically smaller and your TV nor the LinkTheater can benefit from a larger picture anyways.

The LinkTheater is an embedded device with a relatively slow processor. It's easier for the PC to do the bicubic resize than the LinkTheater itself.

This new firmware does display the photo in 1080i. I just took a standard 4:3 5MP photo and it desized it to 1440x1080 (as opposed to 970x720). If you set the software to full screen it would stretch the photo to 1920x1080 which would break the aspect ratio.

dennismullen

07-15-05, 05:33 PM

Brian, The picture I'm discribing is within those limits but is being lowered in resolution for no good reason.

BrianV

07-15-05, 05:36 PM

Brian, The picture I'm discribing is within those limits but is being lowered in resolution for no good reason.

So you're saying the file is smaller than 1920 or 1080 and is being resized anyways? How large is the file in MB? Can you email me a photo that has this condition?

Thanks

dennismullen

07-15-05, 05:46 PM

Brian, it's "exactly" 1920x1080. In photoshop you can save a bitmap picture to a jpg. You can pick settings that trade off between quality and file size. A big file size means close to original quality. The server software always recompresses the picture to a jpg that is a smaller file size. Therefore lower quality picture.

dennismullen

07-15-05, 05:52 PM

Brian, Most of my 1920x1080 jpgs are around 3meg. They will be around 200k in the cache folder.

BrianV

07-15-05, 05:59 PM

Ok, now I know why I'm so confused. You keep talking about resolution and I keep thinking about vertical and horiztonal resolution. What you're talking about is file size/compression oriented.

You are correct, the LinkTheater software does lower the file size and does use some compression. The reason why the software does this is because on larger file sizes, Bicubic processing can take a while. Modern processors are 2+ GHz; LinkTheater's is 166 MHz. Thus, the PC can do it with relative ease.

Now if you start out with a crummy photo, resize it, and save it at maximum quality you can actually increase the file size. LinkTheater PC Software (if it were to act like Photoshop does the following); I just verified this on a 5MP photo with originating file size of 2.2 megs:

1. It resizes the photo to a max file size of either 1920 wide or 1080 high. The end result in MY case is a 1440x1080 picture. It resizes it using a bicubic method.

2. It resaves the file in cache because this is the only way the PC can do it without over-writing your file.

3. The Software or photoshop saves the file as a new JPG. In Photoshop I did a file save as, selected 'High' as the quality (now maximum is the highest) and the file came out to 500 KB. That's the same file size as LinkTheater came out with, thus LT's compression settings must be similar to Photoshop's 'High' setting for JPG.

The reason why maximum isn't selected is because of the following:

a) transfer time
b) loading/processing time
c) the visual difference is pretty miniscule, especially on modern TVs. If you have a true 30" LCD then maybe you can tell

Also, I know this might not be perfect but it's designed with all good intentions. Players that do not use a PC software cache system (like Roku) are likely doing internal resizing and are possibly not doing it in bicubic (maybe nearest neighbor or bilinear because they require less cpu cycles) and might be compressing it to load faster out of ROM. I don't know about their technical specs, but the only way our users know that compression is happening and to what degree is by looking in the 'cache' folder. I have to personally wonder if we decided to hide the files on the PC or if they were somehow stored onto the LinkTheater's ROM (out of visibility from the user) whether they'd even realize compression was happening.

I can discuss making an option in the PC Software to control/moderate the compression level. Perhaps some of you would like that as an alternative.

BrianV

07-15-05, 06:01 PM

Just so people aren't confused here. The 1080i photo playback problem IS resolved and I thank everyone here for being dilligent in reporting that as a feature-request.

dennismullen

07-15-05, 06:13 PM

Brian, every time a picture is resaved to jpg some resolution is lost. This is HD, maximum would be the saving method of choice.

dennismullen

07-15-05, 06:15 PM

Actually BMP would be the saving method of choice.

BrianV

07-15-05, 06:39 PM

Actually BMP would be the saving method of choice.

I will see what I can do to make it an option to favor quality over performance and vice-versa.

Thanks for all the time you spent explaining this.

dennismullen

07-15-05, 07:03 PM

That would leave one last problem. The overscan issue. This is also a form of distortion.

jasonjoel

07-15-05, 10:10 PM

Well, I turned on my LT to upgrade to this latest firmware, but it seems my LT is sick.

When I turn it on, I get the normal Buffalo logo screen... Then instead of getting the HOME screen, I get a flash of blue and then the whole screen turns green.

The readout on the LT says LOG IN.

Not sure what I'm supposed to do.. Never happened beofre today.

Anyone know what this may be? Or how to get out of it?

Jason

transco

07-15-05, 10:54 PM

dennismullen

07-16-05, 01:38 AM

In Photoshop I did a file save as, selected 'High' as the quality (now maximum is the highest) and the file came out to 500 KB. That's the same file size as LinkTheater came out with, thus LT's compression settings must be similar to Photoshop's 'High' setting for JPG.

My tests as you described seem closer to medium then high in photoshop. This is a lot of recompression.

I am enjoying the new 1080i support very much. The pictures are noticably
clearer. I'm ancious to see the new software.

Thanks Brian.

ThurstonX

07-16-05, 02:44 AM

musicnyman

07-16-05, 10:41 AM

v-man

07-16-05, 11:56 AM

BrainV,

I have not been able to update the firmware. I was at 7-60, then I stepped down to 6-04 to see if the Playlists would work with the LinkStation. (it did not :)

Anyways, I have been trying to update to 8-31 and I get a Oxdead15 error.

I tried updating to 6-45 and get the same error.

I tired updating to 7-60 and get the same error.

... OKAY FORGET THAT....

I tried one more time to get 6-45 and 7-60 back up before I finished this message. 6-45 gave me the same error, but this time 7-60 worked.... Hmm go figure....

And now 8-31 works..... :)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Okay the MP3 static is still the same as 7-60 and 6-04. I am using a LinkStation with 1.37 and LinkTheater with 8-31. I will check the HD stuff later...

Pennhaven

07-16-05, 12:59 PM

Someone please email me a photo that's being down-res'd or compressed.

brian@buffalotech.com

I will verify it with the new software.

Thanks

Brian,

You can use the exact same photos I emailed you on June 22 when you requested that I do so at that time after I complained about this issue with the 7.60 firmware. Now with the 8.31 version the lower res photo does work fine, but the higher res one still does not. As I stated above this is using the Momitsu 1.4 PC software which does not downsize the photo at all for streaming, not the Buffalo 1.2 which does.

Even though the photo is streamed at full size I have found that the size is actually reduced by 50% by the firmware (see next post). It could be that the 8.31 firmware never expects to see an image with more than 1080 lines, if that is what the Buffalo 1.3 software now uses as a maximum for its streaming. You should be able to verify whether the the problem still exists with Buffalo 1.3. Please remember when testing that I am using a 1080i display.

Even if my hypothesis is correct and the firmware expects that the images it receives from the PC server should not be greater than 1080 lines vertical, when it does encounter a larger image (from some other server) it should be smart enough not to reduce the size below that which the display is capable of handling.

Pennhaven

07-16-05, 01:11 PM

If you press 'info' button when you viewing this image you will see that it's probably resized to 960x720 by the PC software. I complained about this problem three months ago. Any image above 3MP will be downsized beyond recognition before it sent to LT (presumably to reduce bandwidth consumption). 4MP and 5MP cameras already considered "low end" and here we are getting images botched from 5MP to 0.5MP by so called HD media player. I hope 1.3 version of the PC software will give us more control over image size and resizing.

David

Thanks David, I do remember your post from 3 months ago.

Also using the Info button is a helpful check that I wish I had thought of myself. However, what I just found by using it is that my 4 megapixel photos are being resized to 1144 x 856. Now according to the cache of the Momitsu PC software they are not being downsized at all for streaming (unlike the Buffalo PC software you reported on three months ago) , they are still at 2288 x 1712. Apparently for some reason the 8.31 firmware is cutting that resolution in half after it receives the image!

mearkus

07-16-05, 07:25 PM

Just a little commentary on the mp3 static issue.... I still have the issue with the new 8-13 firmware and the windows 1.2 server software. However I do not have the static issue with the 1.0 linux software and the new 8-31 firmware (nor the 7-60 firmware either).

--Mark

ThurstonX

07-16-05, 08:49 PM

Normally I have 3 network servers I use with LT, one of which is a TS. Since installing this update, I am only able to connect to one PC. Pcast is enabled on the TS and I double-checked and UPnP is enabled on both PC's. I even tried entering the IP's manually and it still doesn't see them. Any ideas? transco, any progress on your problem? Did you get the BLT with 8.31 to find your TeraStation? Also, what version of the TeraStation firmware are you running? (guessing the latest from BT's site, given that it was obviously running PCast).

In general, it sounds like the mp3 issue may be fixed with the latest PC software update, if they can figure out what in the Linux version makes it work.

Brian,
will there be a similar firmware upgrage for the TeraStation once BT identifies the root cause of the mp3 problems? It certainly sounds like it's in PCast.

TIA.

JohnCarney

07-16-05, 10:57 PM

musicnyman

07-17-05, 11:56 AM

can't get to the rhapsody plugin this morning. every time it tries to connect, it times out and gives the "cannot connect to the web site specified" error page. i've tried to reboot and still the same problem. i've also made sure that rhapsody is running on the pc and streaming.

--update

i tried to play rhapsody outside of the plugin through the server list and it plays the playlists fine through there. only problem, again, is when i stopped a song, it froze and i had to reboot LT.

petefoss

07-17-05, 04:29 PM

musicnyman

07-17-05, 04:29 PM

bgemmell

07-18-05, 10:09 AM

Hi Brian - I hope I'm correct that you wanted feedback on how the latest firmware is working. with my issues I have not seen any improvements to my issues. Here is what I am experiencing :

1.- Erratic static lines of ddistortionfrom the left side of the screen in all views when using the Buffalo LT. I would describe it a static lines protruding across almost as if I had a sscratchysignal. I have a Mitsubishi 65" projection screen TV and I have never experienced any issues with iitin the past - it is aa goodunit. I am running the Buffalo LT at 1080i. Are their any special TV settings I have to look out for ?

2.- I also get an eErraticwave of distortion at the lower left hand side of the screen periodically whenever I am in menu's or looking at Pictures or listening to music or watching riped DVD's

3.- Erratic behavior from the remote control. Many times the system will not respond to button pushes and yes I am pointing it directly at the LT

4.- Unable to get any MS windows XP Pro WMA lossless rip files to play on the Buffalo LT. Have now started reconverting all CD's in my collection to WAV's via CDex

dkeller

07-18-05, 12:19 PM

Hi Brian, this is my feedback for 08-31 firmware and 1.2 PC software:

1. Overscan problem got worse, it now has very visible overscan at the bottom as well.
2. Frequent "Buffering..." messages during MPEG2 video playback. After such message, player starts playing video in FF mode.
3. Very frequent page timeouts and overall slow. Just by browsing video, music or photo directories I getting timeouts (LT displays "Web site not found" message) every two or three pages. This doesn't happens when using 08-31 firmware and 1.1 PC software. I have switched (reinstalled) 1.1 and 1.2 software several times to confirm this problem.
4. Image displayed during music playback doesn't displayed in 1080i and only occupies part of the screen (looks like it 720p size image).
5. Remote is very not responsive at times. During images viewing, you may need to press 'next' button several times to move to the next images.
6. Photo viewing is greatly improved; I can now see my photos in the maximum resolution of 1440x1080. This only possible with 1.2 PC software that I can't really use (see 3).

Issues 1 & 2 not exist in 06-04 firmware I have used before.

Issue 3 is my biggest problem, since I can’t really use 1.2 software. Brian, you have mention that 1.3 software will be available shortly. I hope to get it ASAP; it may cure my timeouts problems.

Issues 5 is ongoing problem with this player since I have it (February)

David

BrianV

07-18-05, 02:27 PM

BrianV

07-18-05, 02:28 PM

BrianV

07-18-05, 02:28 PM

My tests as you described seem closer to medium then high in photoshop. This is a lot of recompression.

I am enjoying the new 1080i support very much. The pictures are noticably
clearer. I'm ancious to see the new software.

Thanks Brian.

Thanks, I will discuss a way to maximize photo quality.

BrianV

07-18-05, 02:31 PM

Brian,

You can use the exact same photos I emailed you on June 22 when you requested that I do so at that time after I complained about this issue with the 7.60 firmware. Now with the 8.31 version the lower res photo does work fine, but the higher res one still does not. As I stated above this is using the Momitsu 1.4 PC software which does not downsize the photo at all for streaming, not the Buffalo 1.2 which does.

Even though the photo is streamed at full size I have found that the size is actually reduced by 50% by the firmware (see next post). It could be that the 8.31 firmware never expects to see an image with more than 1080 lines, if that is what the Buffalo 1.3 software now uses as a maximum for its streaming. You should be able to verify whether the the problem still exists with Buffalo 1.3. Please remember when testing that I am using a 1080i display.

Even if my hypothesis is correct and the firmware expects that the images it receives from the PC server should not be greater than 1080 lines vertical, when it does encounter a larger image (from some other server) it should be smart enough not to reduce the size below that which the display is capable of handling.

I'll check that file against the 1.3 and let you know.

BrianV

07-18-05, 02:32 PM

BrianV

07-18-05, 02:32 PM

After I installed the last beta Firmware, the unit no longer seems to output the display correctly, namely overscanning the bottom of my screen. This did not seem to be a problem on other beta versions of the firmware. I can't seem to figure out how to roll back to an earlier versions (my usual source of info, my-blt site is down).

Thanks!

Everyone who has this problem, please verify that under DVD Settings that 16:9 is selected as the aspect ratio (assuming you have a 16:9 display)

BrianV

07-18-05, 02:33 PM

BrianV

07-18-05, 02:35 PM

BrianV

07-18-05, 02:39 PM

Please wait for the version 1.3 software before reporting bugs about slideshows and music slideshows not operating at full size.

jasonjoel

07-18-05, 07:05 PM

Actually, that wasn't it. For some reason it was happening when it scanned the DVD slot for a disc... Not sure why.

I ejected the tray, then reboot the LT, and it came up fine... Now it comes up fine every time.

Not sure what happened originally, but it is working now.

Jason

hit tv mode and then enter. firmware upgrade resets your saved TV settings.

JohnCarney

07-18-05, 08:48 PM

Everyone who has this problem, please verify that under DVD Settings that 16:9 is selected as the aspect ratio (assuming you have a 16:9 display)

I checked this, and it was set to 4:3, changing the setting did not reslove the issue, however. I'm running the 1.2 software. What other information can I provide to help solve this issue?

dennismullen

07-19-05, 01:55 AM

Here is my list of things that bug me. I really like the new 1080i picture support though. Its a huge difference. The remote is better too. I get the distortion at the beginning of music sometimes in music mode, but never when music is in the background in picture mode.

1. When you push play the slideshow should start from the picture icon you have selected. It is very irritating to always have to start from the very beginning.

2. There should be a fourth mode for pictures where the picture fills the screen without changing the aspect ratio.

3. The setup button should only be available from the home page. It is right between the info and refresh buttons and is too easy to accidentally push, you then have to go all the way back to the beginning of the slideshow.

4. Sometimes when pushing play to start a slideshow the DVD comes up instead.

5. With the zoom feature for DVDs, the first few clicks should zoom for smaller amounts to accommodate just filling the screen with widescreen movies. One setting should be for non-anamorphic or letterboxed movies. The zoom settings it has now are not useful.

6. You should be able to adjust the overscan with a setting similar to the zoom feature in picture mode. You would be able to set it plus or minus five ticks. This is assuming it is different for different TVs. If not just get it set right.

7. The mute control does not work with DVDs.

musicnyman

07-19-05, 08:45 AM

Have you enabled the UPnP server detection inside the rhapsody program?

yes....that was the first thing i did since i had rhapsody working in the pinnacle showcenter as well and worked in the same way. it works from time to time. yesterday afternoon it worked all day without problems.. so i dont' know if this is just related to network problems to rhapsody and some sort of timeout when i have these problems.

thanks,

Ericv13

07-19-05, 12:57 PM

Brian,

Some time ago (couple of months) you posted you would be releasing a developer kit, whatever happened to that?

-Eric

transco

07-19-05, 03:10 PM

Anyone had problems playing DVD's since this firmware update? For some odd reason, my LT keeps hanging on Chapter 5, regardless of the actual play time to that point. I've seen it now on the 6 DVD's I've tried to play since the update. I checked the DVD's on other players and they play without problem. Before going back to the previous firmware version, I'd like to know if anyone else has seen anything like this.

WINDOWPRO

07-19-05, 03:35 PM

Transco,

I too have experienced the DVD freeze problem. My player froze on two seperate occasions while watching Aviator two weeks ago. I had to go to scene selection and skip the current scene(s). Argh! I have only watched 5 or 6 movies since purchasing (Apr. 2005) so I'm not sure if my player is defective or this is a FW issue?

I was running 7.60 FW when my freeze occured. I installed the latest FW this week and watched Beyond The Sea (Good Flick) without any freezes. ??

WindowPro
<><

paultom

07-20-05, 08:57 AM

Hi all,

I had a problem while watching "National Treasure". The movie seemed to stick and then speed up. After the speed up the sound was out of sync. The fix was to pause and restart. This happened 3-4 times during the movie. It was a clean retail disc. Very annoying

Paul

On a positive note: I haven't experienced the mp3 static since updating. I am using a wired connection.

raznaran

07-20-05, 12:15 PM

Help.

My system. Server running XPHome hooked up wirlessly to my AP. I have my LT hooked up wireless and it works fine.

Would like to wire the LT to the server and maintain my wireless connection from server to AP.

I have both a wireless and wired NICs on the server. When Itry to hook up the LT wired to server on second NIC it recognizes it and gets an IP address but won't allow it to connect. Get the "Try Later" error message.

I used ICS. What am I doing wrong.

Thanks in advance.

mearkus

07-20-05, 03:52 PM

Is your Linux server wired to the network and your Windows one wirelessly connected?

yes. my linux box is wired and my windows box is wireless. I will plug my windows box into my router and try that for comparison.

Mike Loiterman

07-20-05, 04:49 PM

Just got my box this morning. It's all setup and works a lot better than I had anticpated that it would.

I'm using version 1.0 of the PC software and the April FW for the unit. I would like the latest software for both. Where can I get it? I have signed up on BrianV's list for Beta updates, but it said that I wouldn't get anything until the next mailing. Can I get the updates from anywhere else?

Thanks.

dennismullen

07-20-05, 06:00 PM

I had a problem while watching "National Treasure". The movie seemed to stick and then speed up. After the speed up the sound was out of sync. The fix was to pause and restart. This happened 3-4 times during the movie.

I had the same problem with "National Treasure". I thought I had a bad disc.

Pennhaven

07-21-05, 09:27 AM

I also experienced a DVD problem with the 8.31 firmware. During the credits at the end of the movie (Hotel Rowanda) I pressed the stop button and immediately pressed stop again to clear the bookmark. The LinkTheater interface froze while drawing the Login screen. The background of the Login screen was dark as opposed to the normal blue for this screen and the unit would not respond to the remote control except to power it off.

petefoss

07-21-05, 09:39 AM

I was watching Million Dollar Baby and it fast forwarded a second or two several times. But it allways stayed in sync.

ngkf

07-21-05, 10:49 PM

Hi Brian,

The following is the feedback for 08-31 firmware.
1. Overscan happens as others, I am using 1080i mode on Philips 34" 4:3 CRT
2. This firmware offers much better .ts file playing experience.
3. Some .ts files(mostly from Japan) doesn't have sound. PM me and I can upload to you to test it out.
4. Photo browsing is slower than before.
5. T2 WMV is glitchy
6. Mp3 static has been improved
7. *.srt doesn't work with *.ts, I have to use vlc to transcode mpeg ts and mpeg ps and rename the file to *.mpg in order to get it working

Is it possible to support the following features in future?
*.sub subtitle support
Real video *.rm and *.rmvb support

Thanks

dennismullen

07-22-05, 02:19 AM

The LT will not play a DV-AVI from my Sony camcorder. It says unknown codec. I would expect the server software to be able to play a video if the codec is on the machine. This is a very generic codec. The specs say the LT can play AVI files.

I would very much like to frameserve my edited video from the timeline in Premiere with AviSynth. Otherwise I have to render the mpg files and burn a DVD just to check it on my Home Theater. AviSynth is supposed to have a very generic output for cases where the codec is not recognized, but no luck.

Pennhaven

07-22-05, 11:56 AM

... I just found by using it is that my 4 megapixel photos are being resized to 1144 x 856. Now according to the cache of the Momitsu PC software they are not being downsized at all for streaming (unlike the Buffalo PC software...), they are still at 2288 x 1712. Apparently for some reason the 8.31 firmware is cutting that resolution in half after it receives the image!

I have also tested streaming of a some 5 megapixel photo images with similar results. The Momitsu server software streams the images at 2592 x 1944, but the 8.31 firmware renders them at 1296 x 972, a 50% reduction. It appears that the programmer of the firmware has taken an arbitrary - and very unhelpful - shortcut. When the 8.31 firmware receives images from a PC server that are "too large" it simply reduces them by 50% rather than scaling to 1080 lines. I wonder if this is also happening with images streamed from Buffalo TerraServer and LinkStation NAS?

All of my comments so far in this thread regarding reduction of larger image sizes after streaming turn out to be valid only if the software is configured to display photos "actual size". The problem is resolved if the software is set to "fit to screen". Unfortunately problems with the Buffalo 1.2 sofware's "fit to screen" option reducing the streamed image size caused me not to test this mode when I was experimenting with the Momitsu software. Now based on findings I report further down in this thread it appears that the Momitsu 1.4 and Buffalo 1.3 handle photos the same way.

dennismullen

07-23-05, 11:53 AM

Pushing play to start a slide show always starts at the beginning of the list, even if you have a picture in the middle of the list selected. It would be nice if I could select a point in the list to start the slideshow.

It would also be nice to be able to sort picture files by Name, Size, or Date.

ThurstonX

07-24-05, 09:21 AM

Brian, or anyone:
starting with a stock BLT (purchased in late May/early June), I tried upgrading directly to 8.31, but the CRC check failed (invalid signature, I believe). I dropped back to "RUN UPDATE (07-60-050609-02-LTI-240-000.bin)" which worked. The problem is that the BLT can no longer connect to my PCs running PCast 1.0. Tried restarting PCast and then rebooting that PC, but no luck. The PCs show up on the BLT's list, but a "Can't connect.." error is returned.

[when I say "PCast" I mean the Link Theater software; not sure if they're the same; it's PCast on the TeraStation, tho]

I've seen mention of 1.1 and 1.2 (I think), but have not found a link to download them. Are these beta as well, and if so, how do I get them?

Also, my TeraStation does not show up AT ALL. Tried disabling then re-enabling the PCast module, followed by rebooting the BLT. Since that's my main source of streamed media, this is critical. The TeraStation is using the latest firmware from Buffalo's site, which worked fine with the stock BLT firmware (same messed up mp3 playback, etc., but at least it worked).

I did try adding the TeraStation back in manually, but get the same error. Obviously, adding it manually caused it to appear on the list of servers. All three devices running PCast show up, but they a grayed out sometimes, other times they are that blue/teal color (but don't work).

In the interim, is there a way to get back the original firmware? I'm guessing not, since it erased the PROM, but if so, please let me know, because at this point I'm staring at a very expensive DVD player :-(

TIA.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

D'oh! Chalk all of the above up to a first time beta upgrader. Hadn't thought about all the settings that get reset to their defaults, like say.... network and IP.

The 8.31 firmware is being applied as I type.

Sorry for the false alarm. S'pose ya live and learn. Maybe this post will help other noobs not running DHCP.

Like Douglas Adams said: Don't Panic.

Still interested in any versions of the LinkTheater software above 1.0.

NineCount

07-24-05, 12:53 PM

I'd also like to get the beta firmware. I just purchased my BLT last week. I can't play the WMV-HD files from the microsoft website. I get video, but no audio. I contacted Buffalo tech support (which responded right away) and they said a firmware update is due out soon. I really want to be able to use my BLT for WMV-HD, that's why I bought it!

Can someone pass me the info to download the beta firmware?

I'd appreciated it.

Has anyone tried the IMAX or T2 DVD's that have the wmvhd content? Do they work?

I don't want to go purchase one of those until I'm sure it's going to work.

Thanks,

-NineCount

ThurstonX

07-24-05, 02:19 PM

Can someone pass me the info to download the beta firmware?

I'd appreciated it. I doubt that's going to happen, as it would likely jeopardize that person's participation in the beta program. Your best bet is to sign up on Brian's site and wait for the next release. That's what I did and didn't have to wait too long.

Of course, if you read my post right above yours, you might think twice. As always, YMMV.

qrazy

07-25-05, 07:18 AM

I was watching Million Dollar Baby and it fast forwarded a second or two several times. But it allways stayed in sync.
I had a similar situation last night...I was watching The terminal, and about 5 times during the movie it would hi speed through about 4 or 5 seconds of the movie, with the same increase in audio...Sounded very strange.....If I would rewind the movie and play the same section again it would do it in the same exact spot.....My wife found it very annoying...While I can live with some problems the player itself has, this is one I would agree with my wife on...If a DVD player can't play a DVD from disc without any problems, something is definately wrong.....Brian, could you please look into this for us, as this is a showstopper in my house right now....

Thanks....

ThurstonX

07-25-05, 12:47 PM

TOO DAMN HARD TO INSTALL!
.....
just kidding ;-)

re: mp3 playback (maybe WAVs, too; haven't tried any yet). In my wired setup the static at the beginning is gone, but so are the first couple seconds of the file. It starts up clean, but late. So while that's slightly less annoying, it's still annoying. I verified this with several songs, and went so far as to double check against the CDs. All mp3s tested are 320 Kbps, CBR, Stereo.

DivX/Xvid playback of a properly encoded file played back fine, and looked damn good on a 32" Aquos (so the BLT outputting at 720p).

re: Rhapsody, this was the first time I tested it. Had no idea there was a UPNP server :-) First few tracks played back fine, but I got a repeated lock-up on John Coltrane's Live at Birdland track 1. I gave it a couple minutes, then rebooted the BLT. Other artists did not exhibit this problem, nor did Coltrane's Live at the Village Vanguard. I thought it might be a networking issue, but it froze in the same place three times. I have run into bad tracks at Rhapsody/listen.com, so perhaps that was it. I'll try some more rigorous testing and report back.

A general Rhapsody-via-BLT usage question for anyone using that setup:
Using the Rhapsody Windows interface, if I load up an album and click play on the first song, all successive songs play. This doesn't seem to be the case when using the UPNP server. Must I first create a playlist using Rhapsody and then launch the playlist via the BLT?

Brian,
other than the mp3 startup problem, which would seem to be a buffering issue, my only suggestions are:

1. An option to cross-fade tracks during playback; the gap between tracks is bad. I know most software players have this problem (WMP, Winamp, et al.). If no X-fading, then at least smoother playback.

2. Save settings between firmware updates. A long shot, I'm sure, but it would make things easier, esp. for first-timers. For production firmware releases, assuming the settings aren't being saved and restored, the documentation *really* needs to emphasize that users make note of their settings, as they will have to reset them manually.

BrianV

07-26-05, 11:46 AM

I'll be releasing the 1.3 software later today.

I read a few things in previous posts:

dennismullen: The server doesn't play the files, it just streams it, so if your PC has a codec on it, it doesn't mean LT can play it.

I have an all wireless setup at home (LT is wireless) and my PCs are wireless and with the 1.3 software and 08-31 I don't get any static. This is on a pretty solid 11g connection.

dennismullen

07-26-05, 01:52 PM

dennismullen: The server doesn't play the files, it just streams it, so if your PC has a codec on it, it doesn't mean LT can play it.

This I know. Will it be fixed? Its just a common AVI file.
Looking forward to the new software.

thanks,

HenryS

07-26-05, 02:37 PM

OK I’ve done enough lurking…

I’ve had the BLT for 7 days now and all-in-all it’s really a fine solution. I found this forum while googling for any info on the garbled start of audio files. (Really hard to explain this to the wife.) My decision to not send the unit back is based on this community and Buffalo’s commitment to supporting the LT.

I have added myself to Brian’s list so I’ll not list any of my product issues until I try out the updates (which I’m looking forward to.)

Thanks to all of you,
Henry

Pennhaven

07-26-05, 02:44 PM

I'll be releasing the 1.3 software later today.

Thanks Brian.

I found the 1.3 on your web site.

It looks like we are finally where we need to be with photo viewing. All photos I tested (2, 4, & 5 megapixel) were streamed from the PC and viewed at 1080 lines on the LT, provided the PC software is set at "fit to screen".

At first I tried it at "actual size" and was more than a bit perturbed as I found that this setting still displays any images with greater than 2 megapixels (1600 x 1200) at 1/2 their native size (as per my earlier post with the Motmitsu software). I don't know if the software developers had some rationale in mind when they wrote the code this way or not. If the "actual size" were taken literally I would expect that any image larger than the screen size would be displayed exactly that way, showing only the center of the image on screen and the user would have to pan the image to see the outer portions. That's mostly academic though for my own purposes at this time.

I am happy that I finally am able to use my LT to view photos at "HD" resolution on my display. :)

ThurstonX

07-26-05, 03:43 PM

ALL:
I cannot connect to the secured portion of Brian's site (as indicated in the only email I've received). There are no links off the main page, and the beta download page is just the firmware. Given his

"IMPORTANT RULE: If you email me regarding how to get beta software/firmware downloaded, installed, or configured you will immediately be REMOVED (permanently) from the mailing list."

there's no way I'm asking him directly. Could someone please PM me with the info on how to get 1.3?

TIA.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

pennhaven bailed me out, but here's what I found. IE 6 and Opera 8 will not present the login prompt. Netscape 7.2 did, however.

a.n.d.y

07-26-05, 04:27 PM

Hi Brian,

is the PCast software on the link station also improved?

Andy

BrianV

07-26-05, 05:48 PM

Thurston, I use IE 6 and my coworker uses Firefox so that's pretty odd. May want to look into that a little more.

a.n.d.y, no PCast software remains the same on the LinkStation, but I am working on a newer one that may be a little nicer.

BrianV

07-26-05, 05:49 PM

PS - For a brief period today my datacenter was down so that may have caused a slight inconvenience for some. Sorry about that.

WINDOWPRO

07-26-05, 05:53 PM

paultom

07-26-05, 06:02 PM

Thanks for the support Brian.

Paul

ThurstonX

07-26-05, 06:49 PM

Thurston, I use IE 6 and my coworker uses Firefox so that's pretty odd. May want to look into that a little more. Brian, got IE 6 at home to work. From the office there could be complications from our proxy server or that browser's settings. There's definitely something funky going on with Opera, given the error message: "The server requested a login authentication method that is not supported." But no biggie.

Thanks for the support.

Deacon Crusher

07-26-05, 06:50 PM

I've been holding off on buying one of these (or a Roku) until they get stable. Sounds like people are starting to feel pretty good about this device. My big question is how is it for playing ripped DVDs at this point? What format do they have to be in? What do movie/file names look like for the end user? Do you have chapter jump and DVD menu functionality? What about subtitles and or alternate language selections?

Thanks

Pennhaven

07-26-05, 07:16 PM

One new problem with the 8.31 / 1.3 combo to report so far. I ran a long slide show as a test and on the fade-out of the 80th slide the LT froze up. I had to power it off and reboot. I tried to recreate the problem by re-running the slide show, but it worked fine the second time for the complete show of over 300 slides, so it appears to be an intermittent problem. BTW my LT is hardwired to the router, so this was not a wireless glitch.

WINDOWPRO

07-26-05, 07:25 PM

Brian,

Still got static with latest FW and PC 1.3. ????

My last option is to switch channels (router). Have you had any experience or info regarding the Linksys WRT54G? I have excellent signal strength on my laptop 3' from the LT.

At this point I am stumped, I thought for sure the new software would do the trick. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Jim

Changed to channel 6 & 1 on the router ... no luck?

Also, I have close to 20,000 mp3's organized by Artist / Album (seperate directories) could it be the player needs more time (hours) to scan before the LT will play (wirelessly) without the static.

Video's play perfectly.

Thanks
Jim

WINDOWPRO

07-26-05, 11:05 PM

Changed to channel 6 & 1 on the router ... no luck?

Also, I have close to 20,000 mp3's organized by Artist / Album (seperate directories) could it be the player needs more time (hours) to scan before the LT will play (wirelessly) without the static.

Video's play perfectly.

Thanks
Jim

UPDATE:

Brian,

Tonight I tested a couple more ideas trying to track down a solution. Unfortunately, I was unsuccessful.

Here's some info to help you out:

First, I tested a single mp3 which I ripped with wmplayer instead of my normal process (EAC and Lame). My thought was that my current mp3 collection was ripped at a variable rate and thought the LT was somehow having difficulty reading the files? Especially since the static is always at the beginning of the file. (BTW, if I pause the track and resume ... no static.)

Second, I then placed the newly ripped mp3 in a folder at the root level. I did this just in case the LT was struggling reading (caching?) my entire collection. (Note: My current mp3 collection is structured as follows: C:My Music/New/Genre/Artist/Album). I read somewhere having multiple folders instead of one or two folders with all albums / tracks nested would greatly decrease the time needed for the LT to process the files. I have had my files structured this way since 1.1 and it does make a difference (quicker) but has not helped the static problem.

Also, I have the PC software setup with C:My Music as the default music folder. I am not using watch folders because, with such a large collection, I was afraid the hdd would be running continously. Make sense? Does it matter?

Finally, I have left the LT on for periods of 30 minutes or longer with the thought that it needed more time to process the files. My thought here was that when I selected an mp3, the LT was still working / searching, thus causing the static. Would waiting longer or leaving the LT on (stand by?) make a difference?

I apologize for the long post, but after four months of trial and error with this issue and then reading of your success today, I became very optimistic. Hopefully you will have some suggestions for me to try.

Thanks,

Jim

boudicca

07-27-05, 03:06 AM

Brian, got IE 6 at home to work. From the office there could be complications from our proxy server or that browser's settings. There's definitely something funky going on with Opera, given the error message: "The server requested a login authentication method that is not supported." But no biggie.

Thanks for the support.

Find the option within your browser that allow CLIENT NTLM authentication and turn it on.

Shaz

elmatson

07-27-05, 03:16 AM

I have exactly the same problems with wmv hd files. It is the main reason I bought mine also...what bugs me is that I was told that the blt would support this format....

Pennhaven

07-27-05, 10:28 AM

Would someone who is using Mozilla Firefox please confirm that they are able to read the Firefox bookmarks with the LinkTheater 1.3 software?

For some reason I have been unable to get any version of the Buffalo (or Momitsu) software to recognize that I have Firefox installed.

v-man

07-27-05, 10:37 AM

Brian,

When can we expect an update for the LinkStation, so it will stream MPGs without the 10 seconds of static?

Thanks,

v-man

kevinqs

07-27-05, 10:47 AM

JohnCarney

07-27-05, 11:26 AM

elmatson

07-27-05, 03:46 PM

Pennhaven

07-27-05, 04:31 PM

Would someone who is using Mozilla Firefox please confirm that they are able to read the Firefox bookmarks with the LinkTheater 1.3 software?
...

John, Kevin, et al,

Thanks for the responses to this question. For some vexing reason the LinkTheater software does not detect Firefox on my machine. I even tried installing from Windows Safe Mode, but it made no difference. I would appreciate it very much if someone would check their LinkTheater registry settings and compare them to mine. I am thinking that there may be a registry key that I can add manually to configure it for Firefox.

To check this you need to run the Windows RegEdit application and search [Edit / Find] for "LinkTheater". You should find a key name similar to:

HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-21-1606980848-1563985344-1343024091-1004\Software\Syabas Technology\LinkTheater

Please compare the contents of your key to the screen shot of mine found here: http://penn.freeservers.com/LT/LTregistry.gif
Here it is in plain text:
[HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-21-1606980848-1563985344-1343024091-1004\Software\Syabas Technology\LinkTheater]
"Language"="English"
"Theme"="linktheater"
"VideoWFEnable"="false"
"MusicWFEnable"="true"
"Control"=""
"VideoConversionInterval"="0"
"RemoveVideoAfterConvert"="false"
"PhotoWFEnable"="false"
"PhotoZoomMethod"="fittoscreen"
"PhotoPath"="D%FE%FF%00%3A%00%5CPhotos"
"AudioPath"="D%FE%FF%00%3A%00%5CMy+Documents%FE%FF%00%5CMy+Music"
"UseiTunes"="false"
"ScanSong"="false"
"ScanPlaylist"="false"
"EnableUPnPAV"="true"
"VideoPlayRandom"="false"
"MusicPlayRandom"="false"
"PhotoPlayRandom"="false"

[HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-21-1606980848-1563985344-1343024091-1004\Software\Syabas Technology\LinkTheater\Music]
"Recordings_1"="D%FE%FF%00%3A%00%5CRecordings"

[HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-21-1606980848-1563985344-1343024091-1004\Software\Syabas Technology\LinkTheater\Photo]

Please advise if there are any additional values that appear to be browser related. If so please post the Name, Type, and Data for that value entry.

TIA

NineCount

07-27-05, 05:02 PM

I am also having difficulties with the WMV HD content.

I am now running 8-31/1.3 I am now able to run them, but with static when they start. A few of them, I can pause, then resume and the audio issues are in sync.

I also had issues with the DRM content, however, they now play through Windows media connect, and I also forgot I had to switch from the digital out to the analog out, in order to hear sound when playing the WMV HD files.

Most of my test files were from the microsoft wmv hd site, showcasing the little content they have.

I do notice my remote doesn't hang as much on the new FW, so that is a nice bonus.

Also, my pic's look tremendous now. I've only had my LT for a week, so I didn't get to check out the pic's until after the upgrade. So luckily I didn't have issue before. :)

So far the only issues I have is with the static to start the WMV HD files.

Thanks Brian for all your hardwork!

-NineCount

chrixx

07-27-05, 10:21 PM

WINDOWPRO

07-27-05, 11:08 PM

petefoss

07-28-05, 09:11 AM

I registered to get the updated firmware/software and haven't gotten a response yet. How long did it take for Brian to get back to you? I have had the LT for a while now, but never registered. All this talk about the updated firmware/software is raising my curiosity.

From what I can tell, when you register, you get the notice for the next update when it comes out. But he doesn't send out individual messages to new users with the "current" beta links.

paultom

07-28-05, 11:17 AM

Brian,

Do you have any thoughts on the DVD playback issues with the latest firmware?

Paul

elmatson

07-28-05, 12:51 PM

I still cannot get protected wmv files to play through media connect..please help.

HenryS

07-28-05, 01:22 PM

General problems I experience regardless of SW versions:

1- No video output at 720p or 1080i – This problem has existed since the box first arrived. I have a Philips 30PW8402 screen which successfully works in 720p and 1080i modes with two other HD player sources I have: Dish Network HD receiver, and Polaroid DVD player. When pressing the TV Mode button the screen is completely blank as LT cycles through modes and only gives picture at 480p.

2- Video output at 480p is consistently stretched horizontally. This occurs with DVD playback, WMV, and photo sources. Again, I do not experience this problem with the other two HD players I mentioned above.

The stretched output and no output at 720p and 1080i are show stoppers! I am hopping this is a hardware defect particular to my unit.

Brian, can you advise? I am hopping Buffalo would consider this unit DOA due to these video output problems??

On the other hand the 8-30/1.3 update is really approaching release quality:
1- No static on audio files! Also no missing content on start of audio files. This is great.
2 - Plays WMV HD – Gets some static on startup, but this may be due to wireless, although the entire clip plays without problem over wireless without further interruption. Very impressive.
3 - Vastly improved stability – No hangs were experienced. Successfully ran very large slideshows with large play list. This would often hang in previous firmware, no problems with new firmware.

Thanks, Henry

Pennhaven

07-28-05, 04:25 PM

HenryS

07-28-05, 06:18 PM

I do not own this set, so this is just a guess, but have you tried connecting the LinkTheater to the AV1 component input? I notice this set has two component inputs. On some TV displays with two component inputs only one of the two is actually capable of handling HD signals.

John, thanks the suggestion. Late last night I was holding two sets of CVI cables and three boxes ---swapping them out pair for pair to see what combinations worked/or not, I think I covered all the permutations but perhaps just confused myself. I'll give it another pass tonight...

qrazy

07-28-05, 08:29 PM

Brian,

Do you have any thoughts on the DVD playback issues with the latest firmware?

Paul
Yes please...

HenryS

07-29-05, 10:58 AM

I have re-tested both LT and Dish tuner using AV4 input to Phillips -- the LT has the following two output problems:

1- No video output at 720p or 1080i – This problem has existed since the box first arrived. I have a Philips 30PW8402 screen which successfully works in 720p and 1080i modes with two other HD player sources I have: Dish Network HD receiver, and Polaroid DVD player. When pressing the TV Mode button the screen is completely blank as LT cycles through modes and only gives picture at 480p.

2- Video output at 480p is consistently stretched horizontally. This occurs with DVD playback, WMV, and photo sources. Again, I do not experience this problem with the other two HD players I mentioned above.

The stretched output and no output at 720p and 1080i are show stoppers! I am hopping this is a hardware defect particular to my unit.

Brian, can you advise?

v-man

07-29-05, 02:25 PM

HenryS,

I have mine at 1080i. That is strange.

When you cycle though TVMODE, what happens when you press TVMODE after you reach 480p. Is the display unviewable? If it is press ENTER, and then hit TVMODE again and press ENTER, and you should be at 1080i.

If this does not work, you may have a defective Linktheater....

V-man

BrianV

07-29-05, 05:42 PM

UPDATE:

Brian,

Tonight I tested a couple more ideas trying to track down a solution. Unfortunately, I was unsuccessful.

Here's some info to help you out:

First, I tested a single mp3 which I ripped with wmplayer instead of my normal process (EAC and Lame). My thought was that my current mp3 collection was ripped at a variable rate and thought the LT was somehow having difficulty reading the files? Especially since the static is always at the beginning of the file. (BTW, if I pause the track and resume ... no static.)

Second, I then placed the newly ripped mp3 in a folder at the root level. I did this just in case the LT was struggling reading (caching?) my entire collection. (Note: My current mp3 collection is structured as follows: C:My Music/New/Genre/Artist/Album). I read somewhere having multiple folders instead of one or two folders with all albums / tracks nested would greatly decrease the time needed for the LT to process the files. I have had my files structured this way since 1.1 and it does make a difference (quicker) but has not helped the static problem.

Also, I have the PC software setup with C:My Music as the default music folder. I am not using watch folders because, with such a large collection, I was afraid the hdd would be running continously. Make sense? Does it matter?

Finally, I have left the LT on for periods of 30 minutes or longer with the thought that it needed more time to process the files. My thought here was that when I selected an mp3, the LT was still working / searching, thus causing the static. Would waiting longer or leaving the LT on (stand by?) make a difference?

I apologize for the long post, but after four months of trial and error with this issue and then reading of your success today, I became very optimistic. Hopefully you will have some suggestions for me to try.

Thanks,

Jim

My only suggestion would be to run a throughput test using a wireless laptop from the same location. If you're not getting high speeds (like 15+ Mbps) then there's something slowing your Wi-Fi down considerably.

BrianV

07-29-05, 05:44 PM

I have exactly the same problems with wmv hd files. It is the main reason I bought mine also...what bugs me is that I was told that the blt would support this format....
I assume you mean the no sound problem?

The problem is, WMA 9 Pro is like Dolby or DTS. It's a digital signal that is sent to a receiver to break down. Regular Dolby and DTS receivers don't know what to do with WMA 9 Pro signals. Thus, you need a receiver that supports WMA 9 Pro, much like you need a receiver that supports DTS if you want to listen to DTS.

Currently, we convert WMA 9 Pro to standard stereo over the analog jacks, but as of now, we keep WMA 9 Pro in tact on the two digital audio interfaces. If we were to convert it to stereo so Dolby receivers could hear it, then users with WMA 9 Pro receivers couldn't get true surround sound that's built into WMA 9 Pro.

Your complaint is on the same lines of someone complaining that they can't play a DVD with a DTS track because their receiver doesn't support DTS. Most new receivers are starting to support WMA 9 Pro.

BrianV

07-29-05, 05:45 PM

Brian,

When can we expect an update for the LinkStation, so it will stream MPGs without the 10 seconds of static?

Thanks,

v-man

Do you mean MP3's? I run my LT wirelessly to my LinkTheater and while using 08-31 I don't have any static, but I have a VERY solid wireless connection. I will reduce the power on my router and see at what point static begins and see if we can improve it.

BrianV

07-29-05, 05:46 PM

I have the 8.31/1.3 installed which fixed the lack of audio in wmv hd files, but I still cannot get the files with DRM to play. It just displays a black screen. I am trying to play these thru media connect. Any ideas? DRM compatability is a must with windows media.

I will verify this this weekend. I've been able to play CinemaNow DRM movies through WMC as well as wmvhd.com files that Use DRM. It's possible that something in 08-31 broke WMC compatibility, but it worked fine in previous versions. I will re-verify this weekend.

BrianV

07-29-05, 05:48 PM

BrianV

07-29-05, 05:51 PM

UPDATE 2

Brian,

I installed the LT SW 1.3 to a new computer (faster) tonight to check if my wireless connection / comp. hardware was causing the static. No luck. Also, on the recommendation of your tech support, I installed Windows Media Connect on both machines without success. Meaning the LT connected to wmc with no problems but playback still produced static. Shouldn't that eliminate the LT PC software as the culprit?

So with this last test and the previously posted tests, I am officially out of ideas. Argh! I will try hooking the LT up wired tomorrow but this totally defeats my purpose in purchasing the LT.

What I can't figure out is why are videos playing without latency / static? Divxhd, etc. and mp3's will not ?

Please advise.

Thanks,
Jim
<><

It's amazing that Mp3s have the problem but videos don't, but the problem is the interface for the slideshow is loading at the same instance the mp3 playback is. Unfortunately, the LinkTheater hasn't found the perfect balance for dealing with this. It has been improved by delaying the priority of the slideshow, however, it appears that unless you're wired or have a strong 11g connection it still hangs up a little bit. I will work with the engineers to try and increase the mp3 priority. If I were you, I would try wiring it just to make sure the problem is with your connectivity. Then you can do one of a couple things:
1) Try to determine why your wireless performance isn't good enough for LT.
2) Add an additional antenna to try and increase the performance.
3) Wait for us to continue tweaking this.

BrianV

07-29-05, 05:53 PM

Brian,

Do you have any thoughts on the DVD playback issues with the latest firmware?

Paul
I have reported it to our engineers and they want me to FedEX them commercial DVDs that are having the problem. I was going to ask a question so I guess now is as good of a time.

I want to know which DVDs (commercial DVDs only for right now) have any problems and if they're easily reproduced. If you all could post here I will go out and try and reproduce it locally and then send them the DVD with a report.

BrianV

07-29-05, 05:53 PM

WINDOWPRO

07-29-05, 06:20 PM

paultom

07-29-05, 09:03 PM

I want to know which DVDs (commercial DVDs only for right now) have any problems and if they're easily reproduced.

I have only watched two movies and they were both from Disney, "National Treasure", and "Ice Princess". I think I remember this being discussed on my-blt, but I am not sure.

Thanks for your help,

Paul

HenryS

07-29-05, 09:31 PM

If it is press ENTER, and then hit TVMODE again and press ENTER, and you should be at 1080i.

TVMODE and then press ENTER. That did it! I now have output at 1080i and it looks fantastic. I just didn't think to press ENTER while looking at a blank screen.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions!

NineCount

07-29-05, 10:05 PM

Thanks for the kind words. The static is due to the performance. Are you running wireless or wired? You need a very strong (15+ Mbps) wireless signal for it to stream WMV HDs without problem.

Brian,

I was able to do some messing around with my home network and wired vs. wireless config's....

My wifi router (Netgear WGR614 802.11g) is less than 20 feet away. I have a wifi PDA and can test the signal strength to where my BLT sits, and I get 100% for signal strength. (note: my pda is b not g, not sure if that would matter just to compare signal strength)

With the Wireless config:
I do have issues running WMV HD files, they start out of sync with the audio. Examples are the Robotics 720p, the Amazon 1080, the MP10_digital_life, all from the WMVHD site. Once I hit pause and then play again, the audio syncs up.

I then switched to a wired config:

Gigabit from the server to the Netgear switch, then 100 meg from the Netgear switch to the BLT.
I immediately loaded the Robotics 720p and it came on instantly and no sync issues at all. I tried the Amazon clip and it was clean also.

However, all the news is not good. I think I see why I might be having some issues.... While flipping between different video files, I would typically start them, let it run for a few seconds (approx 5-20 seconds) to verify it was working, then hit stop, and try to bring up another video. I found that when switching between video files quickly, the BLT started to 'buffer' the new file, sometimes it was really bad and it never even loaded the file and I had to reset the BLT. It's like it kept streaming the file, even after I hit stop, and there was no bandwidth left at the BLT to continue. I even went to the extent of disconnecting everything on my network except the server and the BLT. When quickly switching to new video files, I would get the buffer % utilization message on screen, and sometimes it would load and sometimes it wouldn't.

Maybe keeping this in mind will help you when troubleshooting?

All my files streamed fine when I watched one all the way through, then selected another when it was finished. The only time I ran into buffering issues is when I would stop a video prematurely and then try to bring up a new video file (or even re-selecting the same one). This was the case with all files no matter if it was .avi, .wmv, small or large. I don't have any content over 3 minutes long (yet!), all are Divx or WMVHD.

Thanks again for all your help.

On another note: About the WMV audio. I find that using my Stereo in Dolby Pro Logic II mode helps to throw some sounds to the back-side surround speakers. Too bad about the WMV9 differences in audio vs. Dolby, I won't cough up some new cash to support WMV9 format digitally on my stereo... so, I'll have to live with it. At least the Pro Logic II mode helps it a little.

-NineCount

So has anyone tried the WMVHD IMAX DVD's on the BLT yet? Do they work directly in the DVD drive as expected?

elmatson

07-30-05, 03:12 AM

I have the DISCOVERS WMV HD dvd. But it won't play when I put it in the BLT. It says that it is protected content and must be played thru windows media connect.I did rip the video file from the disc onto my pc, but it still won't play thru media connect. In fact, I can't get any of my protected wmv hd files to play. The unprotected files play fine though... and they look awesome I might add

elmatson

07-30-05, 03:18 AM

I assume you mean the no sound problem?

The problem is, WMA 9 Pro is like Dolby or DTS. It's a digital signal that is sent to a receiver to break down. Regular Dolby and DTS receivers don't know what to do with WMA 9 Pro signals. Thus, you need a receiver that supports WMA 9 Pro, much like you need a receiver that supports DTS if you want to listen to DTS.

Currently, we convert WMA 9 Pro to standard stereo over the analog jacks, but as of now, we keep WMA 9 Pro in tact on the two digital audio interfaces. If we were to convert it to stereo so Dolby receivers could hear it, then users with WMA 9 Pro receivers couldn't get true surround sound that's built into WMA 9 Pro.

Your complaint is on the same lines of someone complaining that they can't play a DVD with a DTS track because their receiver doesn't support DTS. Most new receivers are starting to support WMA 9 Pro.
I don't have a digital receiver(yet) just a hdtv with rca stereo jacks. But the 8.31 update did the trick on that problem.

elmatson

07-30-05, 03:20 AM

I also have static audio when I play mps' thru my Blt. It sound like arecording where the signal input is to high and causes distortion...

elmatson

07-30-05, 03:34 AM

I initially had problems playing back pc captured high def video files in mpeg2 format. It was very choppy( video and audio). I had a wireless connection with a buffalo airstation, so I went ahead and went wired That pretty much took care of that particular problem except that the high def play back audio is choppy for the first few seconds. Now, if I immediately pause playback and then press play it plays fine. I never had this with Divx Hd files. I'm guessing a lower bit rate? It could be also that I just needed an antenna to boost my wireless signal to fix the playback. Maybe later after all the glitches are fixed I will try that just out of curiousity. I have a Fusion HDTV II pci tuner card just for info... also transport stream compatability would be nice...

Loic G

07-30-05, 06:09 PM

John, Kevin, et al,

Thanks for the responses to this question. For some vexing reason the LinkTheater software does not detect Firefox on my machine. I even tried installing from Windows Safe Mode, but it made no difference. I would appreciate it very much if someone would check their LinkTheater registry settings and compare them to mine. I am thinking that there may be a registry key that I can add manually to configure it for Firefox.

To check this you need to run the Windows RegEdit application and search [Edit / Find] for "LinkTheater". You should find a key name similar to:

HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-21-1606980848-1563985344-1343024091-1004\Software\Syabas Technology\LinkTheater

Here it is in plain text:

Please advise if there are any additional values that appear to be browser related. If so please post the Name, Type, and Data for that value entry.

TIA

I'm having the same issue with the link theater software not recognizing Firefox. I have the same registry setting than the one posted above.
Can somebody with Firefox installed check his setting?
Brian, any clues on what would cause this problem?

Thanks,

LOIC

mike503

07-31-05, 05:53 AM

perhaps this may be the wrong thread to start - but i'm wondering if there are any plans to adding FLAC audio support and ISO and IFO/VOB support to the BLT?

i think that would round out nearly every possible video, audio, or otherwise multimedia format that anyone would expect from a device like this, at least for now until a new technology is out :)

i keep my DVD's in ISO format (so i don't lose some of the extended features and such) and would love it if the BLT could use them.

also, i'm looking at making my own UI to the BLT, by changing the web-driven interface on the streaming server machine. i've got it going to where it reads links and such, i just cannot figure out why i can't make the files stream (i've tried a variety of things) - would it be too much to ask to get more information on that? from what i can tell, buffalo shouldn't care about what software people use for their units - the money should be coming from selling the units, so any additional methods of using it should be well received, i hope...

JohnCarney

07-31-05, 09:11 AM

but it looks like the 1.3 software fixed my overscan problem? Is that possible? I'll conduct some tests today with my laptop to get some side by side comparisons on the video.

Pennhaven

07-31-05, 01:40 PM

I'm having the same issue with the link theater software not recognizing Firefox. I have the same registry setting than the one posted above.
Can somebody with Firefox installed check his setting?
Brian, any clues on what would cause this problem?
LOIC

Yes folks how about just a little assistance for those of us with this problem please?

If your LinkTheater software is recognizing Firefox please compare your Windows registry settings to those I posted above. If you are not able to do this could you at least please indicate which version of Firefox you are running. (In Firefox click on Help / About.) That may provide another clue.

LOIC,
I am currently running Firefox 1.0.6. LinkTheater did not work with 1.0.5, or 1.0.4 either. What about you? Sorry you are also having this problem but at least now I know that I am not the only voice in the BLT wilderness.

v-man

07-31-05, 03:09 PM

Do you mean MP3's? I run my LT wirelessly to my LinkTheater and while using 08-31 I don't have any static, but I have a VERY solid wireless connection. I will reduce the power on my router and see at what point static begins and see if we can improve it.

Brian,

Hmm. I have asked someone else and they are not having any problems with MP3's and the LinkStation. ???

I have a wired connection, but it is running over the electrical outlet. It is supposed to be a solid 14Mbs, but maybe it's not... I will get a long Cat 5 test it to see what happens...

v-man

BTW,

I know you said you are working on a way to make the LinkStation's PCAST look nicer. I have made a quick Theme that mimics the PC version of PCAST a bit...

clasher

07-31-05, 05:46 PM

If I want to use a Linkstation to stream contents to the LinkTheatre, does it has to be the new Gigabit Lan Linkstation (HD-HGLAN)? Or just the old Linkstation (HD-HLAN) will work? Anyone can help? Thanks.

reconlon

07-31-05, 08:56 PM

Can anyone tell me where I can get a sample .pls file that works on the Link Theater from the Terastation to play select mp3's?

elmatson

07-31-05, 09:47 PM

Hey, would it be possible to list the bps when you press the info button? That would be a handy feature, to see how data is flowing( especially if you are having any playback problems). Just an idea...

mike503

08-01-05, 02:23 AM

yeah.

i would like to have the info button do more stuff. any possible place it makes sense and any information.

JohnCarney

08-01-05, 07:01 PM

but it looks like the 1.3 software fixed my overscan problem? Is that possible? I'll conduct some tests today with my laptop to get some side by side comparisons on the video.

Yes, I was crazy, the issue still persists.

v-man

08-01-05, 11:41 PM

BrianV,

Thanks for the responce. I directly connected the LS to the LT using a 100mbit network connection and the MP3s work without static. :) It's funny that with the Electrical outlet network running at 14mbits that I could stream HD WMV 9 video , but mp3 static would happen. ??

Also the overscan is much improved I can read the song title at the bottom of the screen.

qrazy

08-02-05, 08:38 AM

I have only watched two movies and they were both from Disney, "National Treasure", and "Ice Princess". I think I remember this being discussed on my-blt, but I am not sure.

Thanks for your help,

Paul

Here is the movie I had trouble with:

"I had a similar situation last night...I was watching The terminal, and about 5 times during the movie it would hi speed through about 4 or 5 seconds of the movie, with the same increase in audio...Sounded very strange.....If I would rewind the movie and play the same section again it would do it in the same exact spot"

Thanks Brian.... :)

EDIT: Just so you know, this was playing the storebought DVD using the DVD player. NOT STREAMED.....

Thanks again... :)

sneals2000

08-02-05, 10:55 AM

The Buffalo PC-P3LWG/DVD is now on-sale via a couple of UK distributors.

A couple of questions from a Brit :
1. Are 720x576/50i SD MPEG2 files supported for 50Hz replay - or are they transcoded to 720x480/60i for replay?
2. Are 1920x1080/50i HD MPEG2 files supported with 50Hz replay (say to replay recordings from the Euro1080 HD-1 channel)
3. Is the DVD player functionality of the models being sold in Europe Region 2 (i.e. R2 with 576/50i), Japan Region 2 (i.e. R2 with 480/60i) or Region 1 (R1 with 480/60i) ?
4. Is there a European model supporting SCART RGB SD output (RGB + Mixed Syncs), or are the SD outputs Composite and S-video, with Component being either SD or HD?

(Also is it possible to play back HD MPEG2 with the unit configured for SD component outputs?)

v-man

08-03-05, 11:24 AM

BrianV,

One final question. I contacted Customer support a while back and asked about LinkStation/LinkTheater and Playlists. They told me that they can play PLS files using Winamp.

I have tried to play PLS files but they do not play. The LT starts by displaying "Connecting to Internet Radio" then it displays the song name and then quickly returns to the menu.

Any Ideas. If you have one working could you send/display the contents of the PLS file so I could compare them to mine.

Thanks,

V-man

andynn

08-03-05, 04:45 PM

Hello Brian,
i live in Germany and have buy an Linktheather. There was really old Firmware on it. I want to update it but it says thereis no new update. If i start a WMV with WMA pro sound there are no sound on stero analog connection. I send it back to store. Could i youse the beta firmware for North America?? I hope it.
I like the Linktheather. In Germany it give no infos about it or firmware updates :(
Hope for good answer and than i will get my LinkTheahter back.
Sorry for bad english :)

tfoster

08-04-05, 02:10 PM

Hi,

I've enrolled on the (European) beta program and have since update to the 08-32 firmware and 1.3 PC software combination and am happy to report everything is working well.

So well in fact that I have just purchased a 120Gb LinkStation to utilise the PCAST facility as a media server for the LinkTheater.

Unfortunately I'm having trouble updating the LinkStation to install the 1.47 PCAST compatible firmware from the LinkTheater CD - whenever I run the firmware updater it searches for the LinkStation and fails to find it with an error message of "A LinkStation is not connected".

The LinkStation is installed in my network correctly however - I can browse to it easily enough, and even the client utility software that comes with the LinkStation can find it correctly - it just seems that the firmware updater that came on the LinkTheater CD can't find it.

Has anyone else experienced this problem and resolved it?

Obviously the LinkStation is useless for its intended purpose unless I can get PCAST running on it - is there another way to install the firmware?

Finally, the LinkStation client utility (and the LS web interface) both report a firmware of 2.00, yet the firmware I'm hoping to install to is 1.47 (once the updater can find the LS). Shouldn't the 2.00 firmware have had PCAST features in there by default?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Kind regards,

Tim.

clasher

08-04-05, 05:32 PM

If your firmware is 2.0, then you need to update to 2.05. You cannot update to 1.47. There are 2 versions of LS, besides the new HG gigabit lan one. The first version is based on a powerpc chip and the firmware starts with 1.xx. The 2nd version is based on a MIPSel chip and the firmware starts with 2.xx. Function wise, they are the same, just hardware different.

Hi,

I've enrolled on the (European) beta program and have since update to the 08-32 firmware and 1.3 PC software combination and am happy to report everything is working well.

So well in fact that I have just purchased a 120Gb LinkStation to utilise the PCAST facility as a media server for the LinkTheater.

Unfortunately I'm having trouble updating the LinkStation to install the 1.47 PCAST compatible firmware from the LinkTheater CD - whenever I run the firmware updater it searches for the LinkStation and fails to find it with an error message of "A LinkStation is not connected".

The LinkStation is installed in my network correctly however - I can browse to it easily enough, and even the client utility software that comes with the LinkStation can find it correctly - it just seems that the firmware updater that came on the LinkTheater CD can't find it.

Has anyone else experienced this problem and resolved it?

Obviously the LinkStation is useless for its intended purpose unless I can get PCAST running on it - is there another way to install the firmware?

Finally, the LinkStation client utility (and the LS web interface) both report a firmware of 2.00, yet the firmware I'm hoping to install to is 1.47 (once the updater can find the LS). Shouldn't the 2.00 firmware have had PCAST features in there by default?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Kind regards,

Tim.

scramm

08-04-05, 11:21 PM

I have called tech support about the LT not properly streaming AC3 audio and they stated that this problem is being worked on. Is there any information regarding this problem and when it will be fixed or available in beta releases?

rhoenie

08-05-05, 08:36 AM

Hi,

I am from germany and bought me a LT this week. I have to say that I am totaly disappointed by the device :-(. Many, many of my original DVDs just don't work. I never had any trouble with any of my 200+ DVDs on the el cheapo CyberHome CH-462 that I was using before so this must be an issue with the player, not the DVD media.

The DVDs are usualy recognized correctly but play only for a few seconds; then the drive spins up and makes a sound like a vaccum cleaner - it finaly gets so loud that I have to fear it would harm the drive if I wouldn't power it off immediately.

Other DVDs don't play correct 5.1 audio. The sound is completely wrong arranged on my setup (Denon A2805, 2x Infinity Alpha 40 front, Alpha Center, 2x Alpha 30 back and a Teufel subwoofer). Voices can hardly be understood. Sometimes the Denon even refuses me to switch to the Dolby Pro Logic II program even though I choosed the 5.1 audio track on the DVD (f.e. Portishead - Live at Roseland NYC). While some DVDs (f.e. Bjoerk - Volumen+) work very well with 5.1.

I haven't managed it to set any DVD to Stereo 2.0 mode and play it on the Denon as Dolby Pro Logic II. That mode of operation worked fine with the CH-462 and regardless whether it makes sense or not it sounded fine for me.

Even worse that the player only handles RC2 DVDs (OK, thats the intented operation for a european device but before I bought the LT I checked the forums whether the player is region code free and people were claiming that it actualy is).

Controlling the device with the remote is PITA. I cannot navigate between chapters on a DVD using the |<< and >>| buttons like any other DVD player does. I have to press STOP which brings me in ~50% of all cases back to the login page while sometimes it gets me back to the DVD menu where I am able to change to the next chapter and continue playing. There are a lot of other issues with navigation but I cannot recall them all right now.

It's hard to believe that someone would sell a product in this alpha stage of the firmware to customers. Needles to say that trying to update the firmware via the menu doesn't work (someone else in the forum made the same expirience). I am still hoping that all mentioned issues can be solved with a fixed firmware. So please, please give me another firmware - any will do, even beta stage firmware (it can get only better)!

I've enrolled on the (European) beta program and have since update to the 08-32 firmware and 1.3 PC software combination and am happy to report everything is working well.

How can I get into that program? When I checked the webpage a couple of days ago it was only for North American buyers.

P.S.: Even though I had a lot to rant about the device seems to have some potential. Setting up wireless network worked very well. Even streaming content from the iMac to the device. I therefor put my hands on the wizd source and changed it to my needs (if you want the source and the binary just drop me a line).
I can also confirm that the Buffalo LT software works inside virtualPC 7.0.2 on Windows 2000.

RodW

08-05-05, 05:57 PM

Hi Brian,

Just purchased a BLT this week, but to my surprise when I tried to play my large Apple Lossless music collection (which I was lead to believe by your specification sheet was supported) all I got was the song title and "unknown audio video codec". :confused:

BLT Firmware: 06-59-050427-02-LTI-254-000
File System: 02-LTI
8051 Version: v1a
S/N 89795054225765

Is it just me or will this be fixed in a later firmware release?

boudicca

08-06-05, 06:15 PM

Just a reminder for any European users that for beta firmware and software
please visit and sign up for the mailing list.

http://www.buffalo-technology.com/support/lt-beta.php

We also have a little soirée on yahoo groups BLTOwners if anyone fancies joining :) http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/bltowners

Many former members of myblt.com are present. Although I must stress its a group formed to keep in touch rather than, for direct support, but we will help were we can, also we do not have any firmware to give out either as that would controvene the beta lists rules for both the US and Europe.

Official support for European users is at http://www.mpeg-playcenter.com
and buffalo do have their own site at http://www.buffaloforums.com

Shaz

WINDOWPRO

08-07-05, 10:45 PM

I have reported it to our engineers and they want me to FedEX them commercial DVDs that are having the problem. I was going to ask a question so I guess now is as good of a time.

I want to know which DVDs (commercial DVDs only for right now) have any problems and if they're easily reproduced. If you all could post here I will go out and try and reproduce it locally and then send them the DVD with a report.

Brian,

I am having the frame rate(FF)problems with several DVD's. Here's my list so far:

Upside of Anger
Hitch
Aviator
Hostage
Be Cool
Beyond the Sea
National Treasure

The above either FF several times during play or they totally freeze. Should my unit be returned or is this a firmware issue? Please advise.

Jim
<><

crzgh

08-08-05, 06:54 PM

Hi Brian.

There is subtitle problem which did not exist before. Original firmware and software didn't have this problem.
The problem arises when the subtitle file ( in my case, it is smi file ) contains more than one language.
It must show only english language subtitle when I turn subtitle on. And It did in original firmaware and software. But now in 0831 firmware and 1.3 software, it shows only what comes first in file.

for example, if smi file is like following, ( KRCC is korean script and, ENCC is english script )

<body>
<sync start=xxx><p class="KRCC">....
<sync start=yyy><p class="KRCC">....
<sync start=xxx><p class="ENCC">....
<sync start=yyy><p class="ENCC">....
</body>

It did show scripts of ENCC before. ( works correctly )
But now it shows scripts of KRCC. ( works incorrectly )

And some avi files don't work at all if subtitle mode is on, and KRCC subtitle is in front of ENCC subtitle.

And I have one more question, Brian.
Do you have any plan to support other languages for subtitle?
If it is impossible to include many languages due to storage space problem, how about adding feature that user can installl secondary language set.
I know there are many people who can't listen to english well including me in America, supporing secondary language for subtitle will be really good feature for us.

WINDOWPRO

08-08-05, 10:50 PM

It's amazing that Mp3s have the problem but videos don't, but the problem is the interface for the slideshow is loading at the same instance the mp3 playback is. Unfortunately, the LinkTheater hasn't found the perfect balance for dealing with this. It has been improved by delaying the priority of the slideshow, however, it appears that unless you're wired or have a strong 11g connection it still hangs up a little bit. I will work with the engineers to try and increase the mp3 priority. If I were you, I would try wiring it just to make sure the problem is with your connectivity. Then you can do one of a couple things:
1) Try to determine why your wireless performance isn't good enough for LT.
2) Add an additional antenna to try and increase the performance.
3) Wait for us to continue tweaking this.

Brian,

1. Wireless signal is extremely strong
2. Have an additional antenna already plus centrally located the router 10' away
3. No problem

Also, increased my router transmit output to 60mW to no avail ... afraid to take it much higher.

Update:

I finally had the opportunity to test a wired connection. The static on my mp3 playback is gone! Yeah - at least temporarily!

Now, do you still think the static issue is slideshow related when playing wirelessly? The part that still has me confused is why the divxhd vids play without hesitation / latency? This weird behavoir still has me leaning to the slideshow issue. What do you think? Agree?

Although my wired connection is temp (the wife's not too happy with a cable stretching across the living room. :~) At least I had a few minutes of static free bliss. Hehe.

Hope this info gives you more to go on.

Thanks and please keep me posted.

Jim
<><

a.n.d.y

08-09-05, 12:45 PM

gottahavit

08-10-05, 07:56 AM

so my BLT was delivered last night and I must say with a couple of exceptions I am quite pleased. I bought it mainly for it's Video playback features and will probably not be using the picture or music features.

I have signed up for the firware program, and am eagerly awaiting the next release. In the meantime I have a couple questions.

My biggest problem with this so far is that I have A LOT of DVDs I have made from my TIVO, and while the BLT will play the content perfectly, the menus are not visible on the screen. I can actually scroll through them(gessing where I am) and it works, but I cannot view them. Is this a known issue? Have any of the firmware updates resolved this?

It does however appear to handle regular DVD menus fine. I burn my DVDs with DVDAuthor, and they all work perfectly on every other DVD player I have put them in.

I welcome sugestions.

Aside from that and the quirky remote, this thing rocks!

**update** Never Mind the updated firmware resolved my DVD menu issues.

v-man

08-10-05, 07:19 PM

Hi,

Press "Play" not "Enter"

Cu.Andy

Thanks Andy for the suggestion, but it did not work for me. :( Would you post a sample of what your PLS contents look like, so I can compare with yours. Also I am running 8.31 with 1.47 version of LinkStation PCAST.

Thanks,

V-man

a.n.d.y

08-11-05, 07:25 AM

Thanks Andy for the suggestion, but it did not work for me. :( Would you post a sample of what your PLS contents look like, so I can compare with yours. Also I am running 8.31 with 1.47 version of LinkStation PCAST.

Thanks,

V-man

You are rigth, it works not with a Linkstation.
(I have tested with a PCast 1.3 on my computer, that works well.)

Sorry for my bad english.

Cu.Andy

gottahavit

08-11-05, 07:27 AM

ok so the firmware fixed the issue with my DVD menus. Now I've had a chance to play a little with this I have a couple questions I haven't seen answered anywhere.

1) I have a couple DVD burned with HD mpeg2 on them. They play on PC DVD players, but when I put them in the LT the menu displays but when I hit play all I get is audio. If I put just the raw vob on the DVD then it plays fine. Any chance this will get resolved?

2) I curious when people say the LT doesn't upconvert DVD, excatly what they mean? When I put a DVD in my LCD reports that the image is 720P not 480P. Is there some implied extra processing with upconversion that the LT doesn't do? I had an LG upconverting DVD player for about 8 hours once and when upconvertin it looked absolutely terrible, the LT on the other hand looks great.

3) Has anyone made the LT work with IODATA's Advanced server? It sees it on the network but just goes black screen whenever I try to connect. I have successfully setup twonkyvision however. Is the Advanced Server not truly UPNP?

Thanks guys this device definitely rocks!!

elmatson

08-11-05, 01:32 PM

Is anybody having any luck playing wmv hd files with the DRM protection? I can't get them to ply through media connect. I rented 2 movies from Cinemanow.com one regular and one hi-def. The regular one played the audio but "wmv7 not supported" popped up on the screen. The hi-def clip would buffer to 100% then play for about 6-7 secondes then stop. The wmv hd DRM clips I downloaded off the microsoft website won't play at all....wmv hd is a big reason I got the LT...

WINDOWPRO

08-13-05, 10:20 PM

So quiet around here you could hear an LT drop.

:)

andynn

08-14-05, 01:37 AM

i got a message from buffalo germany that there will be a new firmware morrow 15.8.05 with new wma pro codec and many fixes.

Chris98vobra

08-14-05, 02:47 PM

I have been using the new firmware and found a few issues so far:

1. When I play mp3s, the first one starts off with a second of distortion and periodically I hear distortion in a song. Not often, but it is there. My signal is very strong to the unit with the wireless router being about 20 feet away from the cabinet door and no walls in between.
2. After "play all" has been running for a while, the unit will sometimes stop playing a selection. I must hit stop and play again to get it cycling again.
3. Last night I was watching a DVD disk, The Other Side of Anger, and periodically the frames would go very fast for a second and then return to normal speed. Twice when this happened the sound was about 1/2 second behind the video. If I hit pause and play it would correct itself.

Chris

meijing

08-15-05, 05:02 AM

v-man

08-15-05, 06:59 PM

hi ,
i bought my linkstation in japan,
when i try to update the firmware from the machine it automatically updates a japanese firmware.
is there a way to manually update the firmware to an english one??
thanks in advance
mike

goto linkstationwiki.org

There is an update to the linkstation version 1.47 in english....

If you have a problem updating let me know...

v-man

blurred.vision

08-16-05, 08:53 AM

Any chance of access to firmware upgrades (beta or otherwise) for units purchased in Australia?

v-man

08-16-05, 02:15 PM

Any chance of access to firmware upgrades (beta or otherwise) for units purchased in Australia?

Is Australia PAL or NTSC?

V-man

mrtbig

08-16-05, 03:36 PM

Is Australia PAL or NTSC?

V-man

PAL

blurred.vision

08-16-05, 06:13 PM

Does it matter for firmware purposes? Is there a difference between the firwmare for NTSC and PAL?

mrtbig

08-16-05, 06:38 PM

Yes, if NTSC you have to use the US firmware. If Pal, you have to use the Europe firmware.

Ulik

08-17-05, 10:03 AM

Is it possible to flash US BLT with EU firmware for PAL viewing?

v-man

08-17-05, 02:37 PM

Is it possible to flash US BLT with EU firmware for PAL viewing?

It's possible to do, but the Firmware is not programmed to do it. They had an previous version that handled both PAL and NTSC, but it has now been separated. More do to politics than capabilities. :)

V-man

a.n.d.y

08-17-05, 05:49 PM

blurred.vision

08-17-05, 11:55 PM

So how do I go about getting onto a firmware beta for europe / australia? There are many issues that are driving me nuts.. (mp3 playback start crackle, mp3 song selection (>>| and |<<) is one song behind(ie: display says track 3, song playing is track 2), various hanging isues with internet radio, internet sites etc...)

Also, what is the appropriate forum for new feature requests (like divx bookmarks so when you reopen the same movie later, it offers start from beginning or resume from last bookmark)

Schizoid

08-18-05, 06:16 AM

Xesdeeni

08-18-05, 10:48 AM

Most new receivers are starting to support WMA 9 Pro.Here's the complete list of Sony's latest and greatest receivers (http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_BrowseCatalog-Start;sid=cAsK4AfuIDAK5ETq5x0A60jg73D1HyHZxaY=?CategoryName= hav_HiFiComponents_Receivers_HiFiReceivers&Dept=audio). It doesn't look like any of them (including the one I just bought), has this.

Could we at least get a user option for WMA 9 Pro decode:

1 - passthrough
2 - stereo
3 - Dolby Pro Logic

I suspect Dolby Digital and/or DTS encoding would require more processor that the LinkTheater has and/or prohibitive licensing fees. But Pro Logic should be simple.

Xesdeeni

v-man

08-18-05, 11:09 AM

Question for Brian...

First let me say that I had purchased the LinkTheater several months ago to replace my Philips DVP-642, and so far I'm quite pleased. It plays most of what I throw at it, and from what I've read, I'm also impressed with the great support provided in this form. With that said, hopefully you or a fellow subscriber can perhaps answer my concern.

Is there anyway to apply the 08-31 firmware update (.bin file) straight to the player (via CD tray) without the use of a PC & the PC Software? I'm using the LinkTheater as a "standalone" player, so it's not connected to my PC, nor do I have any use for the software.

Atleast not at this time.

The best way to do it is this. If you have a USB flash card or any other USB drive of some kind. You can copy the "html" and the "bin" file from Brian. Edit the html and remove any domain information like, href="http://www.myspace.com/folder/file.bin"

all you need is href="file.bin" whatever the filename is. Copy both the html and the bin file to the USB device. Then take the device and plug it in to the front of your LinkTheater. You should have access to the html page, and you can update it from there.....

V-man

elmatson

08-18-05, 03:24 PM

Is ANYONE having any luck playing wmv hd with DRM?

ThurstonX

08-18-05, 03:42 PM

etanizar

08-18-05, 04:36 PM

Folks:

After installing 08-31 firmware, I was having difficulties displaying the .srt subtitle files. It will display for about 10 seconds, then alternate to Subtitle Off. I pressed the Subtitle button and it displayed the subtitle again. Again after a few seconds, it reverts back to Subtitle Off.

I didn't experience this with the original firmware. It drives me crazy when I am watching foreign movies. Do anybody else have the same issue?

Also, when will LT start supporting .idx/.sub subtitles?

I do notice that LT runs faster with the 08-31 firmware. Hopefully this problem will be fixed with the final firmware.

Regards ... :)

techywa

08-18-05, 11:34 PM

Here are the issues I am seeing with LT.

I am streaming over a wired network. Wireless proved too unreliable for me especially for higher datarate .TS files or HDTV MPEG2 files.

Video is generally very good quality save the inability to get higher data rate files to go reliably over 802.11g. One problem that I am seeing that was not a problem in the original software is that .ms-dvr Windows media center files will not play back properly. Audio leads the video for a few seconds and then completely stops and the video continues. Something is broken here, or is this file type not supported anymore?

Photos: Doesn't seem to matter what screen fill setting I set, the horizontal format photos fill the screen and the vertical format do also which makes them very distorted. Changing the settings does not seem to matter. Fading up and down to black of photos is kind of annoying. Isn't it possible to support a disolve from picture to picture in slideshow mode instead.

Music: No glitches on MP3 anymore. Album art feature does not work well at all. I get all sorts of results. Most all of my files have album art in the ID3 tag. Most of the time it does not display album art at all, just default screens. Again it would be nice if screens would dissolve not fade to black. Many times when correct album art is displayed it is very small relative to screen size. Somtimes it will stay on the screen other times it will fade up and down to black.....very annoying.

Services: Not sure what is going on here. Have never gotten Rhapsody to work. Other services work sometimes....not sure I don't have firewall problems...I am using Zonelabs SW and WP824 MIMO router. Do I have to leave port 8000 open?

Any comments or help would be appreciated.

Schizoid

08-19-05, 04:55 AM

The best way to do it is this. If you have a USB flash card or any other USB drive of some kind. You can copy the "html" and the "bin" file from Brian. Edit the html and remove any domain information like...
Thanks for the assist v-man!

Sounds like a good idea. Gonna try it and post the results later.

:)

WINDOWPRO

08-19-05, 02:18 PM

Brian,

Did you get a chance to read my posts from last week concerning my wired experiment vs. wireless?

Also, I just received an email (post reply) from a Yahoo BLT member stating 1.4 eliminated the static issue for him and he is on 802.11b (I'm on G) ??

I installed 1.4 today without any success. And again, my divxhd video (Shark Tales) demo plays without a hitch (wireless).

Please let me know your thoughts.

Thanks,
Jim
<><

dennismullen

08-19-05, 02:58 PM

Brian,
I’m having a problem with the version 1.4 software on my laptop. The music preferences page is blank. I cannot set a location for the My Music Folder. If I revert to the version 1.3 software all is normal. I do not have this problem on my main computer with 1.4.

v-man

08-19-05, 03:13 PM

Brian,
is there a firmware upgrade to the TeraStation in the works that would include getting the PCast software up to the same level as the LinkTheater PC software (whenever that software is ready for prime time)? What are the practical differences between the two softwares? Lack of Internet support on the TeraStation's PCast would seem an obvious one.

TIA.

I am using a LinkStation and the LT. The LT is capable of handling Internet support. What you need to do is get root access to your TeraStation, from there you can find the PCAST html documents. They are DHTML, and you can modify them to include links to the internet and internet radio..

http://www.terastation.org/wiki/Main_Page

Try here for more info...

V-Man

blurred.vision

08-20-05, 12:59 AM

musicnyman

08-21-05, 08:38 AM

Brian,

I am having the frame rate(FF)problems with several DVD's. Here's my list so far:

Upside of Anger
Hitch
Aviator
Hostage
Be Cool
Beyond the Sea
National Treasure

The above either FF several times during play or they totally freeze. Should my unit be returned or is this a firmware issue? Please advise.

Jim
<><

after upgrading to the latest beta versions, i'm having the same problem with both xvid and divx files. i fast forward, it seeks fine, but then it freezes without playing the movie. i have to stop and restart the movie.

zervakos

08-22-05, 01:49 PM

I have a US purchased LinkTheatre hooked up to a PAL TV in Europe. The LinkTheatre shows everything in black and white. From what Buffalo Tech support told, it's because the US LinkTheatre sends out an NTSC signal.

I would be interested in flashing my LinkTheatre with EU firmware so the LinkTheatre would be able to display color. I was given a link by Buffalo support (doubleudoubleudoublu-dot-verenkoff-dot-com-slahs-update...) for the latest firmware for my LinkTheater , but they said the US version will not display PAL.

Is there another place to get the EU version of the firmware?

thanks,
George

PS As soon as I get my LinkTheatre's serial number, I'm joining the beta list.

Xesdeeni

08-22-05, 02:16 PM

There is a fundamental (pun intended) difference between the PAL and NTSC TV schemes that may or may not be surmountable. The basic frequency of the color (colour) subcarrier differs between PAL and NTSC. Using the wrong frequency will give black and white on the wrong TV. Some devices have a programmable device that can generate either subcarrier, controlled by software (firmware). But some devices have an actual oscillator in place that cannot be altered. I don't know which is present in the LinkTheater, but I thought I'd warn you that it is certainly possible that you will not be adjust the color subcarrier via software.

Xesdeeni

Weaselbuddha

08-22-05, 06:43 PM

Just got around to downloading latest firmware ( from earlier 05, stock firmware ), and am experiencing same problems I was having before:

1. No support for WMV7 or WMV8

Any plans to support the earlier WMV formats?

2. Auto-speedup or FF playback of some video clips

MPEG codec

3. Occasional Audio Sync problems for denser audio on XVID clips/movies

Have notice improved remote control responsiveness, and snappier response.

Has anyone found work arounds for these issues, I went so far to convert most clips to WMV9. Some will not convert, and others will take longer than a week...

Further details availble upon request

Weaselbuddha

08-23-05, 12:48 AM

after upgrading to the latest beta versions, i'm having the same problem with both xvid and divx files. i fast forward, it seeks fine, but then it freezes without playing the movie. i have to stop and restart the movie.

I've had this happen several times, pausing, waiting over 15 seconds, then hitting play often restarts the video. This seems only to work with those occasions when you see the pause on-screen indicator. When this does not solve the problem, waiting up to a minute often seems to clear the problem. I've noticed that this is more often a problem when network traffic ( read P2P ) is heavy.

This can also occur when using the percentage jump key ( right or left arrow ). With the new beta firmware I've seen a new message, "Buffering x%", never seen it above 1% though, and have always had to restart/reboot to get back on track when this freezes.

Using pause and play in conjunction often resolves a few issues.

On another subject, has anyone tried to decompile and recompile what I assume are the Tomcat servlet/JSPs? This has interesting implications.....

sirozha

08-23-05, 10:45 AM

petefoss

08-23-05, 12:26 PM

While we are talking about encoding: is there software available to take jpeg's and video clips and make a combined slideshow that the LT can understand? I could do it with various DVD creation software but then I'm limited to 480p when the LT could handle it in 1080i.

Weaselbuddha

08-23-05, 05:50 PM

What is the best format to encode a DVD movie in? My DVD-RW+/- came with the Nero Suite. I upgraded to the latest version, and encoded one movie. The format that Nero Recode uses in MPEG-4, creating files .mp4. Is this the best format at this point? Does the LT play it?

Thanks

Not sure what your question is, and, if the question is what is the best codec to use to re-encode DVD video in, this is not easily answered, mpeg-4 is good multimedia standard, others prefer XVid or Divx. Depends on the software you have, resource limits, and the depth of complexity to want to go to.

DVD video, the encoded video stream found on store bought DVDs is largely MPEG-2 or sometimes MPEG-1, by definition.

The Linkplayer does support MPEG-4, with some limitations, and apparent gotchas, buffalo's standards can be found on linkstation page in the recently expanded specification section of the page.

Hope this helps,
Greg

Weaselbuddha

08-23-05, 06:17 PM

It's possible to do, but the Firmware is not programmed to do it. They had an previous version that handled both PAL and NTSC, but it has now been separated. More do to politics than capabilities. :)

V-man

Yes, this was a disappointment with the new firmware, the old firmware played PAL other region discs ( with region hack ), not well mind you, but it did play. Now you only get exceptionally studdered sound and no video.

Any intention to restore this capability?

Greg

zervakos

08-26-05, 07:36 PM

Trekstuff

08-26-05, 09:21 PM

Hi, this is probably not related to firmware, but I don't know where else to ask. I have a problem with the player. The network part works like magic - I can play all my files from PC (DivX looks brilliant). But when I attempted to use it as an ordinary DVD player (e.g. play DVD disks) I found out that it refuses to play ANY kinds of disks. No matter what I tried to insert - DVD/VCD/Audio CD/CD-R/RW - the player, after showing for several seconds "Reading disk..." and making strange noises, would show "No disk". Have you experienced this problem? How do I fix it?

v-man

08-26-05, 11:27 PM

v-man

08-26-05, 11:28 PM

Yes, this was a disappointment with the new firmware, the old firmware played PAL other region discs ( with region hack ), not well mind you, but it did play. Now you only get exceptionally studdered sound and no video.

Any intention to restore this capability?

Greg

That is a good question, maybe Brian can answer that when he reads this board....

V-man

Weaselbuddha

08-27-05, 03:52 AM

I bought a LinkTheatre in the US. I brought it to Europe and when I
hooked it up to a PAL TV, it showed everything in black and white. I
got the EU PAL firmware for the LinkTheatre and flashed away. Now the
LinkTheatre shows everything in color, but complains about American
DVD's not being for its region. Unreal. I guess I should have known.

My question now is what are my options?

Flash the US firmware back and get a multisystem TV? Won't happen for
a while as I am in the US right now and sounds expensive.

Flash the US firmware back and get a converter to convert the NTSC
signal to PAL? I found a converter for $150, but I don't like the
idea of having yet another device in a crowded entertainment center.
Plus, I don't know what the quality would be like.

This is killing me. All I want to do is have my wife who is in Europe
be able to watch American DVD's that I bought in the States on the
LinkTheatre which I also bought in the States on the European TV we
have. Is that too much to ask?

Any suggestions, pointers, tips welcome. My wife's ready to throw out
all our equipment! I had her on the phone today for an hour to flash
the LinkTheatre and she was none too happy when the DVD did not play.

thanks!

I don't know whether they have disable NTSC playback in in Euro version, like they have disabled PAL in the North American version, but if they have not, you will need to execute the region hack for Linktheater before it will even consider trying.

To Quote the results of googling "region hack linktheater":

Region code hack posted by lundman, May 11 2005:

Press [Slow] 2 9 4 0 This should pop up a Window-esque window where you can chose your Region, including Region 0.
[ do this from the netlogin page ]

Using region 0 will work for all discs that do not have RCE, before playing those you have to change the machine ( using the same hack ) to that of the disc. Disney is the largest culprit when it comes to RCE.

Region coding is not a problem of the linktheater, you must comply with region coding to be able to put the letters DVD on the front of your player, part of a licensing agreement. And part of the warning you will see on any website that sells DVDs to people outside of their respective country.

Another option is to buy a Cyberhome player at Bestbuy or Circuit City ( you say you are in the states ) for the price of a cheap dinner out ( 35 - 45 dollars ).

If you could please post your results, for those of us who own and buy discs from other regions ( or spent/spend time as an ex-pat ) this might be a solution for us ( flashing the Euro firmware, and setting our region to 0 to get PAL and NTSC playback )

Thanks,
Greg

Weaselbuddha

08-27-05, 03:59 AM

sneals2000

08-27-05, 09:35 AM

Sounds like the OP was connecting a US LT to a European PAL-only TV. Most European sets will happily lock to a 525/60 as well as a 625/50 video signal - but not all sets have an NTSC chroma decoder (though loads do these days - my UK Sony set happily copes with NTSC 3.58 as well as PAL 4.43 chroma)

In the UK VCRs and DVD players offering NTSC playback often have the ability to transcode the NTSC chroma to PAL (or in the case of DVD players encode the chroma at PAL 4.43) but keep the line standard at 525/60. This means no frame rate conversion but a colour picture. However as the European SCART connector also carries RGB video this isn't always much of an issue - as most DVD players are connected RGB not composite or S-video (so deliver component quality video) where NTSC or PAL chroma are irrelevant - and only the line standard is an issue.

(A few players sold in the UK - an early Samsung model for example - had the ability to replay 525/60 discs as 625/50 in RGB or PAL - by doing a crude frame rate convert - but it wasn't pleasant...)

It sounds as if reflashing for Europe has re-set the region code to 2. This is both a PAL and an NTSC region (as it contains Japan) - and this might be useful.

There is a multi-region code "hack" mentioned above.

Whether this means 625 discs replay in PAL and 525 discs in NTSC I don't know - it may try and either output NTSC discs in 525 PAL 60 Iwhich would give you colour probably) or in 525 NTSC 60, which wouldn't.

I guess as you have re-flashed a US LT you don't have the benefit of a SCART output? I don't know if the European model has one - but if it did then this would hopefully carry RGB video - and the NTSC/PALness issues would cease to be a problem.

The other option is to change TVs to one with an NTSC decoder - though this doesn't have to be an American one - most European TVs support NTSC playback at composite or s-video video input level, they just don't have NTSC-M tuners (for OTA reception) I think most Sony, Panasonic etc. displays do this - you can certainly check in the blurb.

(My UK Philips DVD Recorder even happily records NTSC 3.58 video!)

*** EDIT ***

Sorry - realised there is another, cheaper option. Because the OP's US flashed LT replays NTSC as NTSC (understandably!) - and because his TV set locks to the 525/60 signal, but doesn't decode the chroma, then a simple in-line chroma transcoder would solve the problem. This transcodes the NTSC chroma to PAL, but doesn't convert the line standard (so 525/60 remains 525/60 and so there is no flicker. These are around the UK GBP50-70 mark I believe and relatively compact - the size of a small 5 input ethernet router, so could be hidden?)

Have a look at Lektropacks or similar in the UK for information. You want an ANALOGUE not a DIGITAL converter.

It may be with a European flashed device NTSC stuff replays as NTSC and PAL stuff as PAL, and with a multi-region modification it will cope with R1 and R2 discs. AIUI the transcoders are intelligent, so only transcode NTSC. THis may be the best solution??

gottahavit

08-27-05, 01:59 PM

sorry, this is not related to the firmware, but this seems the best place to contact people about this:

I am writing a new UPNP server primarily(at least at the moment) geared towards streaming video from a Tivo to a UPNP device. This server is only for windows at the moment.

I am looking for for one or two people interested in beta testing this and helping me work through issues. Anyone interested should have a tivoestablished on their network with at a minumum vserver running and some knowledge of tivo extraction. Preferrably beta tester would also have tivoweb and mfs_ftp running. I have a Linktheater so someone with a linkplayer or other device would be great. Please post here if interested.

Current status:
support for multipple Tivos running vserver(merges into one set of folders).
Creates folders based on Series Title
Supports Web Front end and standard UPNP metadata browse
Webfront end supports limited sorting
Webfront end also will create a playlist of the entire folder starting with the selected entry for continuous play.
Limited Skin ability
NO FFWD or REW at the moment.
UI is still very rough and performance is not great but acceptible for SD streaming.
Will also stream .TY files directly from PC server.
Also capable of streaming mpeg and mp3 files(though this is not the intended purpose for this).
Not yet capable of stremaing HD tivo files(though and HD tivo is fine)
untested on standalone tivos.
live streaming is not yet support though coming very soon.
Server UI is very rough and some xml file editing is required for tivo registration.
audio sync is not perfect on all files, but I will be cleaning that up.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is not TRANSCODING, this is a on the fly converison of the .TY to mpeg with NO loss of quality. This does not require tyshow or any other PC side software, just this server.

I am also curious if this is something a lot of people are interested in doing or not?

boudicca

08-27-05, 02:56 PM

Weaselbuddha

08-27-05, 03:51 PM

Just a reminder to those with US boxes, there is absolutely no difference between the US firmware and the EU firmware except PAL is disabled on the US firmware. Why....as someone else said "good question" and imo is just plain silly !

Shaz

As I asked above, is NTSC disable on the EU firmware? I suspect, seeing the stuttering of PAL playback on the earlier linktheater firmware goes a long way towards explaining why this was disabled.

Additionally I'd still like to get feedback on:

Pre-WMV9 support ( WMV7 & 8 ), can we ever expect these standards to be supported?

The problem with MPEG ( anyone see this with Divx or xvid? ) streams dropping into fast forward all by themselves

Unrecoverable Video freeze ups ( or recoverable through pause/play )

These are the three most common issues I deal with, and I think are significantly dire. Anyone else have other pet issues they think should be included.

Beyond this is: PAL Support; Better, more detailed, Scrollable UI on the Linktheater; and possible transcoding of lesser known Codecs.

On the UI, I'd like to see sorting, size/time details, and creation/modification date all from a non-page oriented ( read scrolling ) interface. Additionally, I inquired earlier has anyone tried to play with the servlets that are a standard part of the server software, decompiling, changing and recompiling? This might be a step towards improving the STB UI.

Thanks,
Greg

boudicca

08-27-05, 08:05 PM

Weaselbuddha

08-27-05, 09:19 PM

[QUOTE=Weaselbuddha]As I asked above, is NTSC disable on the EU firmware? I suspect, seeing the stuttering of PAL playback on the earlier linktheater firmware goes a long way towards explaining why this was disabled.

Sorry to disappoint you but the NTSC side of the EU PAL firmware is fine, I have a dual mode TV. PAL is disabled "because!" rather any technical need. Ask Buffalo Regional Sales then ask the MPAA and then ask the FCC, thats the most likely "because!". Basically, they rule the waves not the customers needs. No doubt as soon as the technology is available, TV's by themselves will popup saying "Viewing not allowed outside, US and Canada."....that or TV's start saying.....

"Under the spreading chestnut tree
I sold you and you sold me:
There lie they, and here lie we
Under the spreading chestnut tree." 1984 - GO

(Then we are in trouble :))

>Pre-WMV9 support ( WMV7 & 8 ), can we ever expect these standards to be supported?

Not in your lifetime, I don't think their supported (MS definition of supported) anymore anyway. Onward and upward etc.

The problem with MPEG ( anyone see this with Divx or xvid? ) streams dropping into fast forward all by themselves

I don't have that problem, I run wired. sorry cant help there.

Unrecoverable Video freeze ups ( or recoverable through pause/play )

Again I don't get that either. Have you got the latest 8.31 US or 8.32 EU firmwares and the latest 1.4 software ?

>and possible transcoding of lesser known Codecs.

Try ezlinkng server.

Shaz

Shaz,

I run wireless with the latest firmware and server software.

I tried the ezlinkng software earlier, but the linktheater adapted version was not yet available for public consumption.

I guess I'll have to take the time to convert all my downloaded clips to WMV9, I think this is a major bummer, and qualifies as false advertisement ( "We support WMV" not "We support WMV9" ). And of course of of them will not convert, will exlinkng transcode?

As to going wired, snaking half a football field of cat 9 cable is not an option.....

I've also seen audio sync problems with a couple xvid flicks encoded with MP3 stereo tracks, anyone know which MPEG-3 decoder is being used?

Loss of multi-region support is a major hassle, adds another box ( previously mentioned Cyberhome ) or I'll have to upgrade my Faroudja, or run it through my Aiwa VCR, but I'll lose the component output

How is the NTSC playback under the EU firmware, as stuttery as the PAL playback used to be under the previous versions of the firmware?

Thanks,
Greg

WINDOWPRO

08-29-05, 08:01 PM

BrianV,

It's been a month since your last post. What up? Have you forgotten about us loyal BLT'ers here?

Jim
<><

gottahavit

08-30-05, 03:14 PM

ok so here's a new one I think, Whenever I have a vidoe section which is mostly WHITE in color, the screen starts flickering and rolling and occasionaly my tv claimsthere is no input. I have the same video on my tivo also usingcomponent output and this does not happen so this is not a problem with television.

Anyone else seen this?
BTW I am running the latest firmware.

kidfortran

08-31-05, 12:07 AM

Just received a LinkTheater today and unfortunately the cd tray will no open either by using the eject button or the remote. Would a firmware upgrade fix this issue or is this thing DOA?

TUFU

08-31-05, 07:16 AM

The Japanese model of LinkTheater(PC-P3LAN/DVD ) just released a new firmware on Aug,30.
http://buffalo.melcoinc.co.jp/download/driver/multi/pc-p3lan-dvd.html#rireki
You may need a translation software to read Japansese.

Now,it will support WMA PRO with analog output
It also coorected some playback problems of DVD-VIDEO..

Don't know whether this firmware or PCAST Media Server had any relationship to US version of LT.

mrterry

08-31-05, 02:37 PM

When playing a DVD it will freeze each second for a very short time. Very annoying. I've tried playing several DVD discs. Also when playing the VOB-files over wired network I experience the same. Other mediafiles work fine, and I have no problems with MP3. I have updated my firmware from the DVD menu link (Setup), but not tried any beta firmware. Will the beta fix this problem?

boudicca

08-31-05, 03:00 PM

Just received a LinkTheater today and unfortunately the cd tray will no open either by using the eject button or the remote. Would a firmware upgrade fix this issue or is this thing DOA?

Sounds broke :(. Although make sure the clear plastic film sheet that covers the front is not blocking it opening.

Shaz

genpix

08-31-05, 05:46 PM

couple of days ago I submitted a registration to varenkoff's site.
How long does it usually takes to receive a link to beta firmware?

Daryle Tilroe

09-02-05, 11:52 PM

Just a reminder to those with US boxes, there is absolutely no difference between the US firmware and the EU firmware except PAL is disabled on the US firmware. Why....as someone else said "good question" and imo is just plain silly !

Shaz

Well unless one of the most recent firmwares 'broke' it; this is just plain false. I watch many of my R2-PAL DVDs on the LT just fine since PAL playback was fixed several months ago. For me R2-PAL playback is not an option; I have many hundred dollars worth of rare import DVDs.

boudicca

09-03-05, 04:37 AM

Well unless one of the most recent firmwares 'broke' it; this is just plain false. I watch many of my R2-PAL DVDs on the LT just fine since PAL playback was fixed several months ago. For me R2-PAL playback is not an option; I have many hundred dollars worth of rare import DVDs.

Playing dvd's is one thing, displaying it in 625 line PAL is another.

Correct me if Im wrong the last Pal enabled TV mode firmware release for the US is 6.45 (StepStone Release), 7.60 and 8.31 and soon 9.13 are NTSC only TV modes. (thats why (referring to last BrianV post in another thread) we are waiting for the EU PAL/NTSC equivelent of 9.13 before its released)

Shaz

Daryle Tilroe

09-03-05, 12:25 PM

Playing dvd's is one thing, displaying it in 625 line PAL is another.

True. It converts PAL-> NTSC but at least it does it in a watchable fashion as opposed to earlierly firmware with had frame rate conversion stutters.

Correct me if Im wrong the last Pal enabled TV mode firmware release for the US is 6.45 (StepStone Release), 7.60 and 8.31 and soon 9.13 are NTSC only TV modes. (thats why (referring to last BrianV post in another thread) we are waiting for the EU PAL/NTSC equivelent of 9.13 before its released)

For the record I'm running 07-60-050609-02-LTI-240-000. I do know it plays PAL back as NTSC rather well. As for direct PAL output I don't think so and I assume that is what you mean.

blurred.vision

09-04-05, 08:47 AM

couple of days ago I submitted a registration to varenkoff's site.
How long does it usually takes to receive a link to beta firmware?

Ditto.. I registered 2-3 weeks ago, and I am still waiting...

musicnyman

09-05-05, 11:59 PM

is anyone else having problems fast forwarding divx/xvid files? when i fast forward to say 20%, then decide to fast forward again, it starts at 15% instead of 20%. it should start at 20% since that's where i left off. i'm also having problems where it completely freezes when i try and fast foward and i have to hit stop or power the system off to continue watching the movie.

elmatson

09-06-05, 01:35 PM

any word on wmv hd drm compatability?

Wirelezz

09-07-05, 02:39 PM

I have the euro FW 08.32. and i can switch from PAL to NTSC (and back)
The european Firmware is multiformat.
(i have testet the US and the EURO Firmware).
You can flash the euro-firmware on a US-Linktheater.
Cu Andy

I just purchased a US Link Theater running the 05.03 stock firmware and I've found an Australian website where I can download the euro 08.32 firmware. From what I've read on this forum there apparently is no problem upgrading a US LT with this current euro firmware. Besides fixing the bugs with the remote, the important thing for me is to retain the ability to convert PAL to NTSC output in real time for viewing PAL format DVD's on US TV. Has anyone had experience with the euro 8.32 firmware in this regard? If this firmware retains this functionality, is it improved over the "stuttering" effect of the PAL to NTSC conversion of the earlier stock firmware?

Lastly, if I upgrade to this firmware and it doesn't provide what I want, can I go back to earlier firmware's? When one signs up at verenkoff's LinkTheater Test-Software Registration, what exactly is provided? Is just the latest US Beta firmware provided or are there links to previous firmware releases?

Thanks in advance for answers to these questions... I appreciate it!

boudicca

09-07-05, 05:16 PM

Wirelezz

09-08-05, 10:09 AM

[ I've found an Australian website where I can download the euro 08.32

Ah, a corp has broke the NDA...tut tut, for those of you with earlier firmwares
it appears the cats out of the bag, Bang goes the beta rules. What a shame. :mad:

It appears the guilty corp is Uniden.....

Shaz

Shaz,

Thanks for posting the URL (Google roolz, yes?). Forum rules prevented me from doing so: "no URL's can be posted until a members 5th post." Evidently I'm not even allowed to include the URL in the above quote (this is only my second post).

Hopefully now that this euro 08.32 firmware is freely available, other forum members will try it out (hopefully on US Link Theaters) and report their results. I'm not willing to upgrade as of yet as I have no way of falling back to previous firmware if this euro 08.32 "breaks" the PAL to NTSC conversion functionality. Can't wait to hear from others in this regard...

Wirelezz

alphatoner

09-09-05, 06:56 AM

gottahavit

09-09-05, 08:27 AM

Has anyone upgraded to the lt-03 update yet? Curious weather there is anything useful here.

Chris98vobra

09-09-05, 08:56 AM

I did last night. It looks like only the startup screen and first screen are different. More attractive IMHO. I didn't notice any other improvements visually but there might be some other things that aren't obvious.

Chris

Ash Sharma

09-09-05, 09:10 AM

I will appreciate if someone can post step by step instructions on how to upgrade the LT with new firmware and interface.
I did enroll and have Brian's e mail and access to firmware file.
My LT is connected to a Terra station.
Thanks in advance

gottahavit

09-09-05, 01:42 PM

all you need to do is add a favorite to your IE favorites pointing to his website with the ".bin" files. Then go to your LT and go to Web/Services(depending on software version) then find your favorite and click on it. When the page loads click on the ".bin" you want to upgrade too and the rest is done by the LT.

Good luck

dennismullen

09-09-05, 03:55 PM

BrianV,

What is the progress on the over scan problem. I am tired of looking at pictures with the top of peoples heads cropped off.

When you push play the slideshow should start from the picture icon you have selected. It is very irritating to always have to start from the very beginning again.

gslavenburg

09-11-05, 02:16 PM

gslavenburg

09-11-05, 05:11 PM

Modern digital camera's include an orientation sensor that is used to encode the orientation in which the picture was taken inside the .jpg. Photo applications (e.g. Picassa2) use this to display the image in the right orientation (landscape, 90 degree clockwise or counter clockwise). Obeying the orientation sensor avoids the need to associate user provided orientation, or worse, 'turn' the picture and re-encode it with additional quality loss when you use the buttons in Windows XPs photo viewer....

This information is stored in the EXIF tags extensions to JPG format. Source code examples can easily be found by Googling EXIF JPG orientation.

It would be great if the LinkTheater PC server recognizes the appropriate tag and does the right thing, so that all pictures display correct without user input !

I will try and attach two images that are taken 90 degree clockwise and counterclockwise but are displayed correctly by Picassa2.

gslavenburg

09-11-05, 05:35 PM

views OK with Picassa2, rotated with Windows XP viewer...

gslavenburg

09-11-05, 05:37 PM

this is the other rotation case...

Wirelezz

09-11-05, 06:53 PM

Yesterday I managed to finally upgrade my LinkTheater. My unit was purchased 3 weeks ago and came with the 05-03-050204-02-LTI-240-000 firmware.

Attempts to download 08-31 resulted in 'wrong signatufre, system error 0xdead15'. Same for the 'stepstone' 06-45....

It turned out that the correct sequence was:
- 07-60 (CRC check OK, Erasing, ... Programming... Verifying... :)
- 08-31 (CRC check OK, ....)

I love the improved picture resolution.

Gslavenburg,

Are you saying you could not upgrade to 08-31 directly from the stock 05-03 firmware, but rather upgraded to 07-60 from stock 05-03 and then upgraded to 08-31 from 07-60 (2 steps)? Did you get the 07-60 firmware from Verenkoff's site? If not, where?

Have you tried to see if PAL formated DVD's will play on your TV (assuming you are in the US)?

Wirelezz

gslavenburg

09-11-05, 10:27 PM

that's exactly what I'm saying. The factory state of my unit, 05-31 firmware, does not allow direct loading of 08-31. I had to go through 07-60. That was the only way ! I did get all of these from Verenkoff's site.

I am in US but have no PAL formatted DVD's. Sorry.

Wirelezz

09-12-05, 10:49 AM

Ah, a corp has broke the NDA...tut tut, for those of you with earlier firmwares
it appears the cats out of the bag, Bang goes the beta rules. What a shame.

Well it's only been 4 days since I "discovered" the Australian Uniden site which had a link for the euro 08-31 firmware. The link has already been removed from their site. One has to wonder if Corporate (Buffalo) ordered them to "cease & desist."

Glad I downloaded the .bin file to my hard drive! ;)

Attempts to download 08-31 resulted in 'wrong signatufre, system error 0xdead15'. Same for the 'stepstone' 06-45....

It turned out that the correct sequence was:
- 07-60 (CRC check OK, Erasing, ... Programming... Verifying... :)
- 08-31 (CRC check OK, ....)

I still can't upgrade to the 08-31 firmware as I'm lacking the intermediary 07-60 firmware... anyone interested in trading a copy of the 08-31 .bin file for a copy of the 07-60 .bin file?
--
Wirelezz

BrianV

09-12-05, 01:29 PM

UPDATE:

1) Users who are currently having the crashing problems when loading/unloading the DVD/CD tray; please call tech support and start the RMA process. We've had a couple calls over the weekend regarding this issue and it appears to be a very isolated batch of LinkTheaters. I've put a call in to our Tech Support supervisor letting him know that I'm aware of it and that these devices need to be RMA'd immediately. We will be testing units before we send them back out so the users will not see the problem again.

2) Does anyone have that overscan bmp/jpg that is used for showing the relative overscan of a display. Our firmware engineers are working to fix this problem and I explained this tool and they think it would be very beneficial to them. Please email me if you have it, send me a PM if you don't have my email.

3) I have an 09-13 firmware available right now but I cannot release it due to the fact that we do not have an EU comparable version yet. We've made a pact to release firmwares at about the same time so customers do not complain or feel that they're treated unfairly. Our EU engineers are working on a specific feature for their 09-13 version firmware and we're waiting for that to be implemented before we release. 09-13 adds a wireless signal meter and fixes some DVD playback issues.

4) PC software version 1.5 software is currently being developed. It will fix a lot of the navigation quirks, as well as offer true dynamic folder updating. Example: If files are added to a folder that the LinkTheater is displaying, you can now refresh that folder and show the new contents. Before you would have to exit the app and restart it on the PC. In addition, the media service plug-in integration has been improved. This software should be out relatively soon.

5) To the users who are commenting about the PAL support... Currently we can only offer NTSC to PAL conversion like we're offering in some of our later firmwares. Unfortunately this doesn't offer true PAL support like some of you may want. However, I can offer you the EU/PAL beta firmwares to try out. Their firmwares mirror the North American firmwares except they have true PAL outputs. I can create a new update page that specifically has the PAL release and provide it to you as an update. The latest PAL/EU firmware is currently mirrored off of the 08-31 firmware. Please let me know if this is something you'd like to try.