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This topic comprises 2 pages: 1 2
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Author
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Topic: Dolby CP650 Firmware upgrade causes switching silence
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Danny Hart
Film Handler
Posts: 50
From: St Andrews, Scotland
Registered: Nov 2000
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posted 07-01-2008 09:10 AM
I've just upgraded the firmware in one of our CP650's from version 1.2.3.0 to version 2.3.6.3, fresh from Dolby's Extranet. After running some tests, I notice that, whan flicking between formats, the sound totally cuts out for a split second. I ran some film with a good Dolby Digital track and turned the digital reader on and off a few times - whenever it reverted to analogue, or switched back to digital, there was this split-second silence. It's not long, probably only a tenth of a second or something - but it makes reversions VERY noticeable. Even with Dolby Digital playing quite happily, if I press the Format 10 button on the front of the unit, the sound cuts out for this split second.
It's not restricted to Dolby Digital. When non-sync is playing, if I press Format 60 on the front of the unit, the sound cuts out momentarily. The same with DTS playing through format 11.
Luckily I still have firmware version 1.2.3.0 so I have downgraded the unit back to this version and the problem has disappeared. Switching between formats is seamless. I wondered if this was a unit-specific glitch, so I tried the new version on another unit - but it had the same results, so it's also back to version 1.2.3.0.
Has anyone else had this problem? How can I upgrade to the newer firmware without having this glitch?
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Steve Guttag
We forgot the crackers Gromit!!!
![](http://www.film-tech.com/ubbmembers/268e.gif)
Posts: 12814
From: Annapolis, MD
Registered: Dec 1999
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posted 07-02-2008 10:41 PM
Yeah but versions 1.50, 1.51, 1.52 and 1.61 (all release versions) were dogs that would allow the unit to dump its memory and also to have it have issues with the automation connector (ignore cues) and such.
The CP500 is a clear case in point of why it is dumb to just upgrade for upgrade's sake. The reasons for a new firmware in something like a Dolby processor may be to merely make it compatible with a new board that will show up in new production. By and large, they don't do anything for the sound (some have...but just to fix glitches).
I repeat, before upgrading, one should assess the risk/benefit. What is this upgrade going to knowingly bring to the system? If there isn't any and the system has been stable...it is down right incompetent (or at least reckless) to just upgrade it anyway. The person that started this thread got to see (and hear) the results of upgrading a working unit to the latest. This is the reason I suggested to just upgrading to 2.0.10.8. It brings the stability of version 2.x.x.x but is a known stable version.
In the case of the CP500...it took Dolby a LONG time to come out with 1.65 and 1.65x. I too have found them to be stable but I won't upgrade a CP500 that is running stable on 1.31.
Software is a complicated thing...there are many, many lines of code and interaction. While beta tests are supposed to flesh out problems...they often don't catch them until the software is released. When a programmer goes and adds a feature or even fixes a known bug...it is entirely possible that they will "break" the software in another area without even knowing they did it. Something calls something else that is no longer there or is different and WHAM you have a glitch that may be serious or minor.
As for DCinema, or any other emerging technology...it is pretty normal for the software to be evolving right along with the industry. It is entirely possible one would HAVE to upgrade just to play the latest feature or to get rid of an annoying problem that finally has been addressed. However, as the industry matures...odds are the need for new software, aside from possible security updates, will settle down quite a bit.
Steve
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Frank Angel
Film God
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Posts: 5305
From: Brooklyn NY USA
Registered: Dec 1999
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posted 07-03-2008 01:26 AM
It would do well for manufactures to explain exactly WHY an upgrade is introduced. Is it to fix an stability weakness that should be fixed? Is it to improve sound? Is it to add a feature. Some issues may be mandatory and essential, some may be elective, some maybe a combination. It would help to know the details so informed decisions could be made. I agree that upgrades are usually better installed than ignored, but not always. Hey, just install Win XP SP3 upgrade. If you've got a CPU other than Intel, your computer stops functioning after the upgrade (I've been told this; not seen it myself). But stuff like that does happen. It would have been nice if Microsoft would have said, this upgrade is specific to Intel chips. They guy who's got an AMD processor will know that he doesn't need an upgrade, and indeed shouldn't install it.
Another good example: I have a Navman GPS -- I needed to install new maps because the orginals are now 6 years old and you have to get the latest maps or you will be missing roads.
For the first few years, I never ever had any problem with the unit ingesting maps from CDroms. Everything work flawlessly....until a few months ago when I was going on a trip to Florida and I figured I'd better install the latest maps because in Florida, land of the artificial "development communities," they build whole towns with new roads every ten seconds. But to add new maps software, Navman required you also do a firmware upgrade or the maps wouldn't be accepted. Once that was done (and it can't be undone), some maps would load and some would fail, all from the same disk. Even worse, some would say they were not registered. Literally weeks of back and forth with Navman's TS and hearing just totally bizzarre theories they were putting forth -- like the unit is a counterfit (it was purchased DIRECTLY on line from Naveman) to the map key and fireware key were not valid (the keys were right off the box that the disks came in, again directly from Navman).
Would I have upgraded the firmware if I knew this was going to be so much trouble? Not a chance....I would loose less hair over a road here or there not being on an older map, than all the trauma over this problem (still unresolved, BTW). And even more to make my blood boil, all this seems to be pointing to their freakin SECURITY schemes....you kno, the kind that screws honest people who PAY for the stuff rather than the hackers who laugh these keys.
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