The "Official" VSX-94TXH Thread...:0) - Page 155

A couple of other things I learned about the firmware update process...

• The firmware files for the VSX-92TXH and VSX-94TXH are identical.
• EXCEPT... for the VSX-94TXH there is also a Home Media Gallery Network upgrade file.
• The u-com firmware updates (MAIN, EVENT, DISPLAY, DSP & HDMI) are done via a Windows PC connected to the RS-232 port on the back of the receiver.
• The 1st & 2nd DSP flash updates (f & s) are done via a CD or DVD player connected to one of the digital audio inputs (Coaxial 1 or Optical 1) on the back of the receiver.
• The 94TXH's Home Media Gallery Network firmware update is done via the LAN port connected to a Windows PC.

So, it's not quite as simple as updating the firmware on your Blu-ray player.

Mark

Upgrading should be as simple as downloading it to a USB memory stick and plugging it into the receiver in this day and age.

All this hassle Mark went through just convinces me even more that there is no way I would buy another receiver that cannot have the firmware upgraded by the end user.

I like my 94, but this is ridiculous.

I need some help / advice. I'm curious what sound setting folks are using on this receiver (and I'm actually using the V92, but it shouldn't make a difference). For the longest time, I've been using the auto surround or direct sound because it allows me to use the MAACC settings. however, I've never been happy with the sound. It is just missing much of the low range. I've recently moved to only using puredirect.

my speakers (M&K's K7 in front, k5 in back, 12"sub) suggest that you set the receiver to small with an 80 hz crossover. but correct me if I'm wrong, using puredirect "voids" all of this and just sends the full range of sound to each speaker (as decoded).

do any of you have the same problem. the difference in sound is really noticeable. I wanted to use the autosurround because I had a 7.1 set up, but now I've gotten around that by wiring the two rear speakers in series (they are 4 ohm, so it works).

would like to hear any advice of comments. have I set it up wrong that I get such a difference (I've rerun the MAACC setup again a few times, but it seems to have made it worse. I'll keep using the puredirect if I have to, but for what I paid for this receiver, you figure it could decode the sound better.

Also, regarding the firmware discussion, should that help with the HDMI handshake issue? I'm still having issues and now I need to turn my receiver off and on again after my projector comes on just to get it to see a signal (versus with my panny bluray where I get the "not supported" everytime I turn it on). I bought mine the same time Mark did on Mark's advice (it's me, Aaron Weiner Mark, Mike Shacks son-in-law)

Hi Aaron! Yes, I bet there's a strong possibility that a firmware update would help with the HDMI handshake problems. Pioneer addressed that issue as early as the 1.006 HDMI firmware and they are up to HDMI firmware version 1.010 now. You might also want to swap around/trade your HDMI cables because a Panasonic Blu-ray player SHOULD be getting along with the 92TXH OK. My BD player is the Panny BD30 and, other than some sound dropouts (pops/static) on DTS-HD MA tracks, I've not had any incompatibility (and, hopefully, that is now fixed with the firmware update).

FWIW, the only reason the firmware update was a hassle for me was because A) Pioneer's site was down and B) The only authorized service center left here in San Diego didn't seem to be all that interested in getting the job done quickly (despite promises to the contrary) and C) I am impatient! That doesn't mean you'll have the same issues in Chicago.

As for sound settings... I just put my 94TXH in "Standard" mode (which I guess is the same as the Auto mode you're referring to). Then I bitstream the audio over HDMI from the Blu-ray player (and the HD DVD player) to the 94TXH. The receiver automatically detects the surround type and decodes it accordingly. I get plenty of bass to my subwoofer (also have the crossover set at 80hz in the receiver).

I'm running Paradigm speakers all the way around. Monitor 7's and CC-350 up front, and ADP-170s in the rear (just a 5.1 system). My sub is a Velodyne VA1012. In MCACC, I set the surrounds to small and fronts to large. I'm sure I lose a little bit of bass across the front but, if I am, it's not noticeable. I can really get the house rocking.

One suggestion is to set all of your speakers to small in MCACC to see if that helps with improving your low end. In setting up my MCACC, I follow the first 3-4 steps in gamelover360's recommendations here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...5#post15662345

That allows you to override MCACC's tendency to set all speakers to large by manually changing them to small and re-running MCACC again, but saving the manual speaker settings.

Mark

I've viewed three DTS-HD MA titles since the new firmware was installed in my 94TXH..... True Grit (1969), Dinner with Schmucks, and Salt. It was my first viewing for Dinner with Schmucks but True Grit and Salt both caused the audio dropouts/popping/static before the firmware update. Happily, True Grit and Salt both played fine this time. I'm feeling very optimistic that the firmware update fixed the problem! Yeah!

Mark

thanks Mark. I'll try that manual MCACC setup to see if that helps. there is sound coming out of the base, it seem that what is missing is the (and I'm making this up), the 100-200 hz range. like listening to those little bose cubes.

Hello All. I have a 94 and am happy with it based on my current setup however, every so often, it will send the information for the mains to the surrounds and will not correct itself until I cycle the power. Any ideas on what the issue is?

Brief update... So far, I've played six DTS-HD MA discs and one Dolby True HD disc since getting my 94TXH's firmware updated. No audio dropouts and no pops or static!

It will take at least a few dozen more discs before I feel completely comfortable that the firmware update fixed my audio issues, but, so far it's looking good!

Mark

I have the same receiver and have handshake issues and have inconveniently worked around the receiver , did the firmware up date cure your handshake issues ?

I wasn't having any HDMI handshake issues. At least, none that I was aware of. Others have reported that the HDMI handshake issues they were experiencing were cured with the firmware update.

According to the readme file that is part of the firmware update package, HDMI handshake issues were addressed in firmware "H" version 1.006. The current "H" version is 1.010. You should be good to go if you get the firmware updated.

Mark

Interesting Mark... I took my unit in on the 4th and was told one-two day turn around. Today I called and was told they had to order a "special" cable from pioneer and it should show up any day now. Is there a “special” cable or am I get jerked around, I have a feeling it the later.

~Staudie

To do all of the firmware updates, three different cables are needed: a RS-232 null modem cable, optical or coaxial digital audio cable, and an ethernet cable.

Perhaps the service center needed to order the RS-232 cable?

Mark

got my authorization letter from Pioneer and will take it in Monday to get the firmware update. Mark, tried the first four steps creating a 2nd MCACC. Still sound the same. Just hoping after the firmware upgrade to start from scratch and see if that improves it. If not, I'm pretty happy with the puredirect sound.

Aaron, The next time you guys are out here, give me a call and you can come listen to how I've got mine set up. Maybe that will help if the firmware fix/settings reset doesn't fix things. Maybe we can even put together a movie night in the Booth Bijou Garage Theater!

Mark

Any word on this?

Thanks!

Are the speaker wires hooked up correctly? Did you try a factory reset? Can't remember the procedure. It must buried somewhere in this thread.

Yes they are. I am sure. Have not done a reset as this intermittent

You are correct Mark, I picked up my unit yesterday and talked with the shop owner. The sad part is they didnt update the "f" and "s" parts. Im not sure I want to take it back now... It took 3 weeks for this first part and the most important part of the firmware update was completly missed.

~Staudie

I have a VSX-94TXH nib that i bought almost 2 years ago. I'm going to start using it in place of my Onkyo TX-NR905. Would it be advisable to get the latest firmware update for it as a 'might as well have it done' basis?

Definitely a good idea. I want to get the firmware update but don't want to go through unhooking everything and potential home theater downtime.

Alrighty then...i got the email back from Pioneer service asking what problem i'm having with the receiver to in order to autorize the updates...what are some common issues that owners has had that resulted in the firmware needing update. Also,vsx-94 owners around Phoenix AZ; who did you take your receivers to for updating?

Just tell them you have HDMI handshaking problems with your display.

Hi all-

What email address do you use to send to Pioneer Service to get an "authorization letter"? Mark - did you have to pay for your upgrade or did you get this letter?

Thanks much! AL

I cannot get my iPod 64G Touch to play on my VSX-94TXH. I had no issues with my older 160G Classic iPod, I would control it from the iPod.

When I connect the iPod and switch the receiver to iPod it states "Loading" and hangs there for awhile. Eventually I can scroll down on the receiver for artist, album, etc. but when I hit enter nothing is listed.

If I attempt to start the music from the iPod Touch, music comes out of the iPod speaker, not the receiver.

Any ideas on how to resolve this issue?

Wow! That's a major oversight on their part. For me, the 'f" (1st DSP flash) was the single most important firmware that needed to be updated. It's that flash that corrects issues with certain DD and DTS tracks. The static and popping I was getting on some DTS-HD MA tracks was incredibly annoying and, so far, the firmware update appears to have fixed it (over two dozen DTS-HD MA discs played since I got the firmware update done and no issues).

The 1st DSP flash firmware update is the one that is done via a coaxial or optical audio cable connected to an appropriate CD/DVD player. The firmware flash has to be burnt to a CD-R and then it's sent to the receiver as an audio file. Weird, but that's the way it works.

I feel for you! I'd call Pioneer and see what they say. You really do need that 1st DSP flash firmware update.

Mark

Al,

I didn't get or need a letter. I simply contacted the local Pioneer Service Center and they immediately told me that Pioneer would cover the firmware update, even without the unit being under warranty. I recall them saying something about a special billing code that they use on the repair order they send to Pioneer.

Mark

Hmm... I'm not sure how you were ever able to control playback through the iPod itself for an iPod connected to Pioneer's dock for the VSX-94TXH. When I plug in my iPod Classic, the normal iPod on-screen menus are replaced with a screen that simply says "Pioneer" on it and I must control playback from the 94TXH, not from the iPod.

As for the iPod Touch, you are probably out of luck because my iPhone 4 won't work with the 94TXH either. And it's not really Pioneer's fault, in my opinion...

When Apple introduced the 30-pin dock connector on the 2nd generation iPod, the dock connector had two pins that supplied charging voltage to an iPod. One pin was 12v and was intended for Firewire connections (a Firewire 400 to 30-pin Dock Connector cable). The other charging pin was 5v and was intended for USB connections (a USB to 30-pin Dock Connector cable). After the introduction of the dock connector, manufacturers introduced devices (boom boxes, car chargers, etc.) that could charge the iPod. Most of these devices used the 12v Firewire pin to charge (which makes a LOT of sense in a car, which already has a 12v system). Everything was fine but then, in 2008, Apple made a switch and ELIMINATED support for the 12v charging in certain iPod models. After mid-2008, the only iPod models that supported both 5v USB charging and 12v Firewire charging were the iPod Classics.

Guess what? The 94TXH uses the 12v Firewire pin to charge the iPod connected to it. So, you plug in a newer iPod that can only be charged via the 5v USB pin, it simply won't work. And I don't mean it just won't charge, it just doesn't work. My iPhone 4 puts up a message that the iPhone is not compatible with the device I plugged it into.

Thankfully, I never use the 94TXH's iPod dock anymore. I've got my entire music library on a Mac Mini and that's connected to the 94TXH. Plus, I can use Apple's "Remote" app on my iPhone 4 to control the iTunes library on my Mac Mini. It's a MUCH better way to choose and play music. The 94TXH's iPod control menus are slow and archaic. But, it was pretty cool stuff back in 2007. Amazing how quickly things change these days.

Mark

Hi Mark,
Thank you so much for your detailed response to my question. This makes a lot of sense because when I got my iPod touch it did work with my Alpine head unit and other devices.

The other devices were not that expensive to replace/upgrade. However, I cannot justify replacing my VSX-94, that's only a few years old, and cost me $1400.

Unfortunately I have Windows 7 Home Premium. Is there anyway to get iTunes to stream music from PC with this OS to the Pioneer or do I need Windows 7 Media Center?

^^^

you could use an apple tv... stream from the itunes client running on the pc to the atv...

if the only thing you only want to do is stream audio, you can also use an airport express, and could likely find one of those pretty cheap with a bit of hunting....