Panasonic Firmware Updates Options

[mungo brush]

The concensus view at this forum is that Panasonic will at some stage be broadcasting firmware updates.

Does anyone know:

1. What is the latest version of firmware (I still have the original C2-01.15 that came with the STB but someone on this forum has .17 already)

2. Anyone know when Panasonic will start broadcasting updates?

3. Will we be give a choice about whether to accept them or not? (or will they download automatically)

4. Will they just be bug fixes or will we get some feature enhancements?

5. Will the download be secure or will this be an opportunity for hackers to distribute viruses and other nasties?

[Pelican]

1. What is the latest version of firmware (I still have the original C2-01.15 that came with the STB but someone on this forum has .17 already)

I have C2-01.18 in my box which I have had for about 3 weeks.

3. Will we be give a choice about whether to accept them or not? (or will they download automatically)

According to the book a pop-up message will appear saying there is new software available and give you the choice whether to download it or not.

The other 3 points I don't know about.

Cheers

[dvduser]

5. Will the download be secure or will this be an opportunity for hackers to distribute viruses and other nasties?

Doesn't apply, we're talking broadcast download from the digital signal sent by the channels not via the net, LAN, WAN

[ozworf]

1. What is the latest version of firmware (I still have the original C2-01.15 that came with the STB but someone on this forum has .17 already)

C2-01.18 here too - bought mine 2 weeks ago

[Caysho]

5. Will the download be secure or will this be an opportunity for hackers to distribute viruses and other nasties?

Doesn't apply, we're talking broadcast download from the digital signal sent by the channels not via the net, LAN, WAN

<pedantry>
imo, hypothetically speaking, yes, it could.
the box has memory, processor, and embedded OS/firmware which boots up.
it also has a serial port, presumably for a firmware update via computer.

malware could be written that targets the processor.
it would have to pass QA procedures by at least Panasonic (and the broadcaster if it comes via them).

what could it do ? stop you watching telly (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

the chances of this happening are pretty small though, and frankly I reckon the furthest it would get would be a pet university project.

I do agree in a practical sense it's not worth worrying about - if it did happen, you'd just flash it again, or have the box replaced if it was totally knackered.

saying it doesn't apply just bugs me though (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
</pedantry>

as for firmware version, my 2130 has C1-1.9

[jalalski]

as for firmware version, my 2130 has C1-1.9

How did you manage to get the firmware of the QRT2130 upgraded?

I've got the same box 2130 that is (free giveaway by Pana) with version B2-1.0.5 and Pana told me that 2130 does not and will not accept future firmware updates.

Cheers,
jalal

[Caysho]

I haven't updated it.
that firmware is what it came out of the shop with.

if they're not going to provide updates as an after market facility via their website or by broadcaster then either the retailer lacks clue or they're not informing the retailer.
not providing updates for this strikes me as an artificial limitation, something I wish I could say I haven't seen before (DVD region zones anyone?).

makes me think they want everyone to go with the 2140; maybe the 2130 is a beta release, and they just won't admit it.

I'm using Panasonic Australia's support/information request form at http://www.panasonic.com.au/sup_frame.html to get some details, hopefully clear this up. I'll post the response when I get it.

[jalalski]

I'm using Panasonic Australia's support/information request form at http://www.panasonic.com.au/sup_frame.html to get some details, hopefully clear this up.  I'll post the response when I get it.

I have done that myself quite a while ago and used the same form.

You'd be lucky to get a response from Panasonic in a month and this is what I got in response to my question on firmware updates for the 2130:

" I apologise for the delay in responding to your enquiry.

There is no upgrade available for the QTR2130 not now, not ever. This model
has been replaced by the QTR2140. At this point in time, no firmware
upgrades are required for the QTR2140 therefore none are available."

[Caysho]

I got a response the next day (specifically this morning), similar to yours.

I asked the following (detailed/verbose) questions:

I have a QRT2130 digital receiver.

1. I was told by the retailer where I bought it (BETTA Electrical in Subiaco) that it would accept firmware updates via broadcaster.
2. It also has a serial port, presumably for connection to a PC for manual updates, the firmware being downloaded from the Panasonic website.

The manual indicates the serial port is "For system maintenance".

On the Digital TV forum http://www.dtvforum.info/ there is some confusion about this unit's ability to have its firmware updated - some people have been told by Panasonic that it will not accept updates, and yet there are different firmwares being posted for this unit (I guessing due to later production runs).

If Panasonic have no intention to provide updates for the QRT2130, why are retailers indicating the opposite ?
Have there been policy changes at Panasonic with respect to this unit ?
Are retailers not being kept current with these details ?

If there is going to be firmware updates for the QRT2130, are they going to be provided on the website, or by broadcaster as indicated by BETTA Electrical, or both ?

I will be posting the response to the forum, in order to clear up the confusion.

and I got the following (short/concise) answer:

The QTR2130 does not support OAD (Over the Air Downloads) please refer back to the retailer.

I know I transposed two letters of the model ID, but they did get the point.
so it looks like, for the 2130, if a retailer is talking about OAD, then they're misleading people (which is what happened in my case).

given that it's now been superceded and I'm guessing no longer being sold (I think I got one from that last run - a Retravision nearby was selling the QTR2140 at the time), it's a mute point.