EX-1 at Sony for firmware update, big delay: wondering why at DVinfo.net

Malcolm Hamilton · June 11th, 2010, 08:55 AM

Hi there,
I had the company in town (from whom I bought my EX-1 when it was first released) send my camera into Sony Toronto for a firmware update, last week. I've never had the firmware updated, so I couldn't do it myself (or if I could, I didn't want to try).
Here's what I don't understand. I thought a Sony engineer would put my camera on his desk, load the new firmware, and send the camera back. But a couple days ago I emailed my contact at the company here in town, and was told:
"the dilemma: Sony Canada had to order the hardware mod you
require as part of the Sept.2008 upgrade, since it is an older mod and
most people have had this done they do not maintain a large inventory
any more. The chip is ordered from Sony parts now located in Mexico"

I guess I don't mind having to wait an extra few days (though I do have a shoot coming up), but I'm wondering what, in fact, happens with a firmware upgrade. Do they really need to install a new chip?
Again, don't get me wrong. If my camera needs a new chip, then I'm glad I'm getting one. I'm just confused about it.

Can anyone enlighten me on this?
Thanks, Malcolm

Craig Seeman · June 11th, 2010, 09:59 AM

If you didn't have the original firmware upgrade, they may have decided to replace the board to fix an early battery drain issues as well as the back plate which the lettering had a tendency to wear off.

Malcolm Hamilton · June 11th, 2010, 10:21 AM

Ah, fantastic.
Thanks Craig
Malcolm

June 11th, 2010, 08:55 AM	#1
Malcolm Hamilton Major Player Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 844	EX-1 at Sony for firmware update, big delay: wondering why Hi there, I had the company in town (from whom I bought my EX-1 when it was first released) send my camera into Sony Toronto for a firmware update, last week. I've never had the firmware updated, so I couldn't do it myself (or if I could, I didn't want to try). Here's what I don't understand. I thought a Sony engineer would put my camera on his desk, load the new firmware, and send the camera back. But a couple days ago I emailed my contact at the company here in town, and was told: "the dilemma: Sony Canada had to order the hardware mod you require as part of the Sept.2008 upgrade, since it is an older mod and most people have had this done they do not maintain a large inventory any more. The chip is ordered from Sony parts now located in Mexico" I guess I don't mind having to wait an extra few days (though I do have a shoot coming up), but I'm wondering what, in fact, happens with a firmware upgrade. Do they really need to install a new chip? Again, don't get me wrong. If my camera needs a new chip, then I'm glad I'm getting one. I'm just confused about it. Can anyone enlighten me on this? Thanks, Malcolm

June 11th, 2010, 09:59 AM	#2
Craig Seeman Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA Posts: 3,841	If you didn't have the original firmware upgrade, they may have decided to replace the board to fix an early battery drain issues as well as the back plate which the lettering had a tendency to wear off.

June 11th, 2010, 10:21 AM	#3
Malcolm Hamilton Major Player Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 844	Ah, fantastic. Thanks Craig Malcolm