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-   -   Sony releases PMW-300 firmware v1.20 (https://www.dvinfo.net/forum/sony-xdcam-ex-pro-handhelds/523372-sony-releases-pmw-300-firmware-v1-20-a.html)

Andrew Smith May 22nd, 2014 09:13 AM

Sony releases PMW-300 firmware v1.20
 
... and pretty much forgot to tell anyone about it, I suspect. :-)

See here: Software Downloads - Sony ANZ Professional And Broadcast FTP

It was a pleasant surprise to find this when I was merely searching for the v1.12 update which fixes the vertical chromatic aberration issue. The newer firmware was issued on Monday. I have no idea what the additional improvements are.

After applying the firmware update, I checked in the OTHERS --> System --> Format menu and there is still no XAVC option as far as I can see.

Yea, I was hopeful.

Andrew

Andy Wilkinson May 22nd, 2014 10:09 AM

Re: Sony releases PMW-300 firmware v1.20
 
I was thinking of upgrading my PMW-300s firmware this last week (it's still on the original) but I've more or less decided to wait until the XAVC update is available (especially since I've had no noticeable chromatic aberration issues with my unit at all).

Unless Sony tell us why they are doing these "little tweaks" I'd rather stick with a proven firmware than update it, especially since I'll need to use the 300 on a big job starting next week.

My EX3 (sold at the beginning of this year) was actually still running the "launch firmware" - and proved to be a totally rock solid camera!

If it ain't broke and all that...but when XAVC becomes available, then I can see a good reason to consider that (assuming Sony are not going to do anything silly like charging big money for it). But hopefully it will be free...

Geoff Tirrell May 22nd, 2014 10:16 AM

Re: Sony releases PMW-300 firmware v1.20
 
I really wish sony would be more forthcoming with info on this xavc release. Its not just you 300 owner ops that are holding their breath.

Andy Wilkinson May 22nd, 2014 10:32 AM

Re: Sony releases PMW-300 firmware v1.20
 
All I was told at BVE in London back in late Feb was "mid-summer"...

Meng Li May 23rd, 2014 01:06 PM

Re: Sony releases PMW-300 firmware v1.20
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew Smith (Post 1846217)
... and pretty much forgot to tell anyone about it, I suspect. :-)

See here: Software Downloads - Sony ANZ Professional And Broadcast FTP

It was a pleasant surprise to find this when I was merely searching for the v1.12 update which fixes the vertical chromatic aberration issue. The newer firmware was issued on Monday. I have no idea what the additional improvements are.

After applying the firmware update, I checked in the OTHERS --> System --> Format menu and there is still no XAVC option as far as I can see.

Yea, I was hopeful.

Andrew

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy Wilkinson (Post 1846225)
I was thinking of upgrading my PMW-300s firmware this last week (it's still on the original) but I've more or less decided to wait until the XAVC update is available (especially since I've had no noticeable chromatic aberration issues with my unit at all).

Unless Sony tell us why they are doing these "little tweaks" I'd rather stick with a proven firmware than update it, especially since I'll need to use the 300 on a big job starting next week.

My EX3 (sold at the beginning of this year) was actually still running the "launch firmware" - and proved to be a totally rock solid camera!

If it ain't broke and all that...but when XAVC becomes available, then I can see a good reason to consider that (assuming Sony are not going to do anything silly like charging big money for it). But hopefully it will be free...

Really! Have you guys even downloaded and looked into the release note? Obviously not, let me post it here:

Major functions updated with V1.2
Video Formats
PMW-300K1/K2 is compatible with the format of XAVC intra- frame (XAVC-I).
• “exFAT” is added for the selectable items of “F.Sys.” in “System” of the OTHERS menu.
• “XAVC-I” is added for the selectable items of “Format” in “System” of the OTHERS menu in exFAT Mode.

Sorry Andy for my previous typing, I am not at home but San Francisco now, doing some visiting and business but was a bit of pissed off. It is good for me to know about it too, but I have to wait till next monday to get back and do it, which could be another reason for my over-eagerness.

Andy Wilkinson May 23rd, 2014 01:49 PM

Re: Sony releases PMW-300 firmware v1.20
 
Well that is good news! Pity it was pointed out so rudely...but I am still delighted to learn that. Been a very busy week.

But bottom line, one would have thought Sony would have made a bit of a song and dance about this much anticipated release...

Edit: OK, no problem Meng. These things happen. Thanks for giving us the correct information and the apology/re-edit of your post.

Andrew Smith May 23rd, 2014 05:31 PM

Re: Sony releases PMW-300 firmware v1.20
 
Oh, we have to read documentation? :-P

I managed to miss the release notes PDF file as I grabbed .bin file from the unzipped files. I have some exploring to do.

Andrew

Jack Zhang May 24th, 2014 02:24 AM

Re: Sony releases PMW-300 firmware v1.20
 
One critical test is if the SDXC adapter (MEAD-SD02) can be used in XAVC-I mode. Also, are all other formats available during exFAT mode? If so, this would mean you can theoretically record HD422 to SDXC cards now. We won't know until a test.

I'm assuming you cannot select XAVC unless it's in exFAT mode, but I may be wrong.

Andrew Smith May 24th, 2014 06:55 AM

Re: Sony releases PMW-300 firmware v1.20
 
1 Attachment(s)
Formatted a 64GB SxS1 card to Fat32 mode in the camera. XAVC format options then become available (but not in the UDF mode).

And the recording capacity of the card is now down to one hour.

Shot a very short test file in 25p and Media Player Classic's properties function gives the following results:

Quote:

General
Format : MXF
Format profile : OP-1a
Format settings : Closed / Complete
File size : 243 MiB
Duration : 16s 400ms
Overall bit rate : 124 Mbps
Encoded date : 2014-05-24 12:35:29.000
Writing application : Sony Mem 2.00
Writing library : Sony Mem 2.00

Video
ID : 2
Format : AVC
Format/Info : Advanced Video Codec
Format profile : High 4:2:2@L4.1
Format settings, CABAC : No
Format_Settings_Wrapping : Frame
Duration : 16s 400ms
Bit rate : 114 Mbps
Width : 1 920 pixels
Height : 1 080 pixels
Display aspect ratio : 16:9
Frame rate : 25.000 fps
Standard : Component
Color space : YUV
Chroma subsampling : 4:2:2
Bit depth : 10 bits
Scan type : Progressive
Bits/(Pixel*Frame) : 2.193
Stream size : 225 MiB (93%)
Color primaries : BT.709
Transfer characteristics : BT.709
Matrix coefficients : BT.709

Audio #1
ID : 3
Format : PCM
Format settings, Endianness : Little
Format_Settings_Wrapping : Frame (AES)
Duration : 16s 400ms
Bit rate mode : Constant
Bit rate : 1 152 Kbps
Channel count : 1 channel
Sampling rate : 48.0 KHz
Bit depth : 24 bits
Stream size : 2.25 MiB (1%)
(other audio streams not included in this posting ... but you get the idea)

No idea about how it would work with the adapter as I don't have one. My guess would be that Sony would want to software lock this to the SxS cards only because of their reliability. Don't need to risk the possibility of wildcard 3rd party issues messing with the reputation of your future-of-the-industry codec platform.

Andrew

Brent Kaplan May 24th, 2014 03:27 PM

Re: Sony releases PMW-300 firmware v1.20
 
I did the upgrade

Glen Vandermolen May 25th, 2014 08:49 AM

Re: Sony releases PMW-300 firmware v1.20
 
All I see in the Sony US page is v1.12.

Andrew Smith May 25th, 2014 10:10 AM

Re: Sony releases PMW-300 firmware v1.20
 
Sony Australia is much more advanced. Download from: Software Downloads - Sony ANZ Professional And Broadcast FTP

XAVC is waiting for you. :-)

Andrew

Bill Ward May 25th, 2014 11:25 AM

Re: Sony releases PMW-300 firmware v1.20
 
Of course with the Oz-based firmware, all your images will be upside down, it coming from Down Under and all...

Jack Zhang May 25th, 2014 11:40 AM

Re: Sony releases PMW-300 firmware v1.20
 
Too bad you can't use MPEG HD422 on exFAT. Looks like you still need to be in UDF (which is not SDHC or SDXC compatible) to use 50mbps. Looks like the Intra options will not have 1080/60p or 50p. (Also, where's 24p? is that in NTSC?)

If the long GOP options lack 1080/60p, then it won't be worth it for me to get a 300.

Brent Kaplan May 25th, 2014 11:52 AM

Re: Sony releases PMW-300 firmware v1.20
 
Does FCP7 support XAVC ?

Andrew Smith May 25th, 2014 06:15 PM

Re: Sony releases PMW-300 firmware v1.20
 
Jack, I don't believe the camera itself supports 1080/60p or 50p.

Andrew

Christopher Young May 25th, 2014 09:43 PM

Re: Sony releases PMW-300 firmware v1.20
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack Zhang (Post 1846528)
If the long GOP options lack 1080/60p, then it won't be worth it for me to get a 300.

I read somewhere, and I think it was re-quoted on this forum by someone, that a Sony spokesman had stated that the PMW-300 chips were incapable of outputting 50/60p at 1080.

Chris Young
CYV Productions
Sydney

Jack Zhang May 26th, 2014 04:55 PM

Re: Sony releases PMW-300 firmware v1.20
 
Alright, my EX1R has at least another year of non-obsolescence. When the PXW-X280 comes out though, (with 1/2'' 1080p60 capable chips) that's when I move on.

Geoff Tirrell May 27th, 2014 10:51 AM

Re: Sony releases PMW-300 firmware v1.20
 
Hmm,

So it looks like the new version for the 400 is out down under as well but we can't get it from the sony us website. Can any of the long time ops here tell me if it is the same software or if I should avoid touching builds released to other countries.

Geoff

Glen Vandermolen May 27th, 2014 01:22 PM

Re: Sony releases PMW-300 firmware v1.20
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Geoff Tirrell (Post 1846735)
Hmm,

So it looks like the new version for the 400 is out down under as well but we can't get it from the sony us website. Can any of the long time ops here tell me if it is the same software or if I should avoid touching builds released to other countries.

Geoff

Yes, I'm very interested in this information.

Andrew Smith May 27th, 2014 08:07 PM

Re: Sony releases PMW-300 firmware v1.20
 
You really should proceed with extreme caution here. Installing firmware from 'down under' will probably require you to rotate your shot footage 180° in post, prior to editing.

Andrew :-D

Dave Sperling May 27th, 2014 09:35 PM

Re: Sony releases PMW-300 firmware v1.20
 
I'd heard in the past that the delay in firmware showing up on the US website is usually caused by the US tech guys giving it an extra QC/test cycle before posting it.
So it's probably not an issue -- unless there's a problem with it. So it depends whether you think the extra test time is worth waiting for...

Andrew Smith May 27th, 2014 10:05 PM

Re: Sony releases PMW-300 firmware v1.20
 
In all seriousness, I think the real testing would happen before Sony in Japan issues a new firmware. The one version of a model comes out of their factories, and the firmware upgrades would apply wherever you are in the world.

Not that I am too worried, being a PMW-300 owner on the latest firmware that delivers XAVC functionality as a free upgrade.

Andrew

Meng Li May 28th, 2014 01:34 AM

Re: Sony releases PMW-300 firmware v1.20
 
If Sony fails to release a perfect firmware upon its release, it would be a millions of bucks of loss. So I wouldn't be surprised, and would almost be delighted if I find such a thing, then I would be happy to short sell some Sony stocks at some point, grabbing some money into pocket while being able to vent my anger at any of their uncooperative staff for bricking my machine. isn't it good? :p

The other problem I could think about, is that the largest XQD-S card is only 64G, 2 slots only makes a 2-hour recording in total. I searched online but did not find any of larger ones. Will any manufacturers launch any of those later?

Andrew Smith May 28th, 2014 03:32 AM

Re: Sony releases PMW-300 firmware v1.20
 
Yes, this would give support to the notion of larger card capacities. You can get 128GB SxS cards, but it's triple the price ... which is probably why nobody in Australia stocks them.

Much better to have two of the 64GB cards as you can hot swap between recording slots, and have an assistant shunt the data from one card as you are recording on the other.

Andrew

Brent Kaplan May 29th, 2014 07:58 PM

Re: Sony releases PMW-300 firmware v1.20
 
Do SXS pro + cards work with Pmw-300

Andrew Smith May 29th, 2014 08:05 PM

Re: Sony releases PMW-300 firmware v1.20
 
I can't imagine why they wouldn't. They are practically the same card, but with higher read and write speed capacities, as well as a better guarantee on the read/write cycle lifespan of the card.

Andrew

Paul Cronin June 9th, 2014 05:29 PM

Re: Sony releases PMW-300 firmware v1.20
 
Just checking prior to loading v1.20 in my new PMW-300 tomorrow that there are no bugs anyone has found? Running smooth in XAVC?

Andrew Smith June 9th, 2014 09:18 PM

Re: Sony releases PMW-300 firmware v1.20
 
I've been shooting on XDCAM 50Mbit only since the upgrade (not having the need for XAVC yet). Humming along beautifully as far as I can tell.

Andrew

Brent Kaplan June 9th, 2014 09:34 PM

Re: Sony releases PMW-300 firmware v1.20
 
I was shooting today in around 100 degree weather and I got my first high temp warning, camera recorded fine but boy did it get hot.

Andy Wilkinson June 10th, 2014 12:23 AM

Re: Sony releases PMW-300 firmware v1.20
 
Was this in XAVC mode?

Mine has got noticeably warm after all day use recently (which also - very briefly - involved filming inside huge walk-in industrial ovens in a factory!), judging by the warm air coming out of the top vent cover. But that was in 50Mbps mode.

Never seen a high temp warning though - at least not yet - but then it rarely gets hot in England! (nicely warm at the moment though).

Andy Wilkinson June 10th, 2014 04:20 AM

Re: Sony releases PMW-300 firmware v1.20
 
Just updated my firmware to v1.20. Takes some time for it to go through phase 1 and 2.

Sun's out so off to shoot some test clips about town to see that everything is still how I want it - I seem to remember that sometimes a new camera firmware can wipe any user settings/tweaks (like when I recently upgraded my C100) - but so far I think this one has not.

I doubt I'll try shooting XAVC just yet (as my current main editor CS6 does not support it - but I may be moving to CC and FCPX in a couple of months when I plan to get a new Mac Pro).

BTW mods. There seems to be no less than 3 threads on PMW-300 firmware in various sub-sections within this part of the forum. Maybe some consolidation is needed?

Paul Cronin June 10th, 2014 05:00 AM

Re: Sony releases PMW-300 firmware v1.20
 
Thanks Andy that is good news.

XAVC is great I have been using it on the F55 since last Nov.

Be careful with PP CC and a new Mac Pro if the OS is still 10.9.3. This is a major bug that crashes PP CC often and locks the machine up. But in a few months I sure hope that is solved. Ah, the bleeding edge.

Andy Wilkinson June 10th, 2014 06:53 AM

Re: Sony releases PMW-300 firmware v1.20
 
Thanks for the tips Paul.

For those that don't know, after this firmware update you have THREE options in the Menu>Others>System settings:

UDF
exFAT
FAT

XAVC option is available in the exFAT area (after a reboot, once selected). It will also then ask you to reformat any SxS-1, SxS-Pro etc. cards in the camera - if they were formatted in one of the other options of course.

Paul Cronin June 10th, 2014 07:03 AM

Re: Sony releases PMW-300 firmware v1.20
 
Good point showing where it is Andy,

I tell you once you try XAVC you will not go back. Really nice to edit and the 10 bit is worth it.

Andrew Smith June 10th, 2014 07:31 AM

Re: Sony releases PMW-300 firmware v1.20
 
I can't remember if I put my test file in to CS6 Premiere Pro or not. It definitely plays back on my computer, though.

Andrew

Brent Kaplan June 10th, 2014 08:08 AM

Re: Sony releases PMW-300 firmware v1.20
 
No it was in 50 mbps mode, and yeah we were in Las Vegas which was very hot yesterday.





Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy Wilkinson (Post 1848347)
Was this in XAVC mode?

Mine has got noticeably warm after all day use recently (which also - very briefly - involved filming inside huge walk-in industrial ovens in a factory!), judging by the warm air coming out of the top vent cover. But that was in 50Mbps mode.

Never seen a high temp warning though - at least not yet - but then it rarely gets hot in England! (nicely warm at the moment though).


Andy Wilkinson June 10th, 2014 08:35 AM

Re: Sony releases PMW-300 firmware v1.20
 
Thanks for the updated info Brent. Let's hope you don't see that warning too often!

Andrew, everything I've read tells me XAVC is not natively supported in CS6 (although some 3rd party pug-ins might support it) but XAVC is supported in CC.

Andrew Smith June 10th, 2014 09:05 AM

Re: Sony releases PMW-300 firmware v1.20
 
Sodding Adobe!

Just recorded an XAVC file and placed it in to Premiere CS6 ... lovely shade of green.

So ... it doesn't work in this version. Drat.

Andrew

Paul Cronin June 10th, 2014 10:18 AM

Re: Sony releases PMW-300 firmware v1.20
 
Is there a PDF that goes with this in English for directions? Just want to double check?


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