Updating FirmWare on AV2 over DVD5?

Adrian,
As far as I am aware, the DVD5 DOES NOT come with a cd with the firmware update. (At least mine didn't)
The firmware update does need to be done by your dealer or by Naim.
As you say it is done via the RS232 port and a linked computer / laptop. I saw the dire warnings that are on the setup page... if done incorrectly you will be looking at a wrecked AV2 that will need a trip to Sailsbury to be put right with a new chipset..... DO you realy want to risk that by attempting it yourself?? (It may be wise to email the service dept directly and see what they say?)
Once done you can link the DVD5 / AV2 with the RJ45 cable and any instructions given to either automatically update the other ref speaker size / placement etc.
The whole update takes between 30 mins & 1 hour to complete... (during which time one chips memory is ENTIRELY erased I beleive, before renewing the information)

Adrian

I spoke with my dealer on the update which I belive is to be free. The update is soley to allow the dvd5 to work with the AV2 the dealer said there was no point in doing it unless a DVD5 is going in, Naim might say different

I was told it would take around 15mins, but if it went wrong expect the AV2 to end up back at the factory.

The main benifits I belive are the fact that it allows the AV2 to have an on screen menu via the DVD5 with full bass management although I printed of the DVD5 AV2 manual which is now on Naims web page and couldn't really see this included.


Neill

Steve
The dealers around here are good with hifi, but not what I would call "computer geeks". None I asked has done an update before. I mailed naim about updating a while ago (before the new DVD5 compatible software was ready). It should not be too complicated - but I have not seen any manual.

Anyway - avoiding a trip back to Salisbury for my AV2 is crucial... That's why I thought updating over the DVD5 would be easier and safer. But you could be right - probably the AV2 needs this update first to start communicating with the DVD5!?

As always with FirmWare updates, if anything goes wrong, you will have a dead device! My standard safety procedure: Patience, take your time! RTFM!! Look that all the neccessary powersupplies and connectors are pluged in well, and nobody can fall over the cables in the meantime. Before starting, cold-booting the computer is always a good idea. Don't let any other applications run while the update is taking place.

Neill
The onscreen menus are one thing, but there are others like lipsync, ect.
I found some unofficial info here (not very new though):

http://www.homecinemachoice.com/cgi-bin/shownews.php?id=6871

happy listening

Adrian

[This message was edited by Adrian Frauchiger on Wed 12 January 2005 at 18:27.]

Neill,

Unless you've done this type of thing before, I would highly recommend getting your dealer to do this for you. There are a few updates to the AV2 that make it nice (I like the new naming your own interfaces personally).

The update does indeed erase some componants during the upgrade and then programs them with the new code. So, if anything goes wrong then, or you're using the wrong serial port, screen saver kicks in etc., then you're toast and back to Naim the box goes.

Just ask your dealer to do it for you, nice and safe and they shouldn't have any problems with it.

Roy.

Adrian,
A couple of quick things...
What problem are you expecting the upgrade to cure?

E-Mail. Adam has stated on here frequently that there are some mails that are never opened a the factory due to the 'subject' line being left blank. (virus threat etc) I am certain that if you put an email to the service dept containing the words 'problem with AV2' in the subject line you would get a reply. Also check out the 'blocked emails' stickie on the Hi Fi forum.

I am also certain that Naim would give correct instructions to your dealer for them to be able to do the update for you.

Hope that helps.

Steve
I had some problems with this AV2. First the LED-Display was too bright (compared with CDS3 or NAT05). We had to swap the print with the display. This is fully solved now!
Then I had loud "pops" irregularly coming out of the front speakers. After long discussions, my AV2 to 252 Cable got modified with resistiors. This seems to absorb them.
The strangest thing is, I have trouble in switching the AV2 to standby mode. Most of the time TV is running, where I use Dolby Prologic II Movie or DTS Neo:6 Cinema. With PL II active the receiver LED blinks, but the AV2 won't go to standby! To resolve this, I have to switch to another decoder (e.g. Neo:6), then I can put him to sleep... When I stay with Neo:6 all the time, I can switch him off whithout problems every time. Even the AV2 engineers have not heard that one before!
I had that from the beginning on, and I am still not convinced, that it is not a hardware problem. But of course we should try the software first. I agreed to wait for the new big release, since the last "old" one had no related differences. But the new software didn't reach swiss dealers late last year. Naim and also the dealers where closed over the years end. Hope to hear something new soon!

Btw. Is it normal, that you hear 2 pops when switching the decoders? One when the active one leaves, then the display blinks, then another one when the new decoder comes in.

happy listening

Adrian

Hello Adrian

"Btw. Is it normal, that you hear 2 pops when switching the decoders? One when the active one leaves, then the display blinks, then another one when the new decoder comes in."

I have a quite new Av2 Serial Nr 205xxx or somewhat, I tested your situation and could not recognise the 2 pops when switching the decoding.
By the way Im from switzerland (Thun)too, If it would help, and your not living to far, you can check it on my AV2 by yourselve if you want to make some comparisons after having some spezial behavior of your AV2.
Do you know anything about the new update (price, can I do it by myselve etc.). If you want to contact me directly, please call 079 2183218 or e-mail me michael.reichle@bluewin.ch, I'm always been intrested in changing some experiences about the loved NAIM Gear (natürlich in Deutsch, was dann viel einfacher ist ;-) Musikalische Grüsse aus dem verschneiten Thun
Michael

Salut Michael

Thanks for your kind offer and checking back with your setup! I will contact you directly as I am not far from you.

I called the swiss distributor. Unfortunately he has no AV2 left to swap and compare. These days, naim seems to be very busy to get their new gear out. But he goes to england in february for some show and will talk to them directly. That means, no further news until beginning of march...

Since the "Home Theatre" forum is still rather new, you will find AV2 stuff hidden in the "Hi-Fi Corner", use the search facility. This one explains how to find out your software version:
http://forums.naim-audio.com/eve/forums?s=67019385&a=tpc&m=4011901086&f=48019385
In older AV2s you have to change the pic-chip first, in newer versions it should be a software download only. I hope the newest version to fit the DVD5 is still software only.

Let there be sound! Ou ä Gruess, machs guet und bis bald

Adrian