Freecom Media Player
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Firmwares
This page covers firmwares for both the 350 and 35 Players but note that I have recently added a page regarding the use of Mediagate Firmware on the 35 model. . Except where stated, my comments relate to both models.
What is Firmware?
At risk of offending the purists, I'll simply describe "Firmware" as the operating system which makes your Player work - more or less the same as Microsoft Windows, or MAC, or Linux, makes your desktop or laptop computer work. Inside your Player is something called a ROM chip - think of it as a simple (well, not all that simple) computer in it's own right. It's called a "ROM" 'cos that stands for "Read Only Memory", which means it can't be overwritten by the user - well, that's not strictly true, as you'll see below (upgrading)- but it is protected from any possibility of accidental over-writing, which would ruin your Player. It's non-volatile, which means it retains all the instructions implanted in the chip even when the Player is switched off and disconnected from any electrical power. The Firmware allows the Player to play videos, music files, etc and controls things like that annoying blue LED which constantly flashes (unless you've worked out how to turn it off). If you find that you've recorded your music files in some unusual format - such as .ogg - or your .avi video files won't play, that's 'cos the firmware has not been developed to handle those formats.
Firmware Upgrades
Ok - I said the ROM containing the firmware is not normally capable of being overwritten. But, from time to time, the company which makes the firmware (and it's not Freecom - see below!) will decide to issue an upgrade or update to the firmware. There can be quite a few reasons for them doing so - often it is to sort "bugs" which have been discovered in the original firmware - some part of the system which is not operating as it should. But updates are often issued to provide improved, or new, functionality - for example, early versions of the Player did not support playlists, but subsequent updates to the firmware allowed users to create playlists. Generally speaking, you should always consider carefully whether to upgrade your Player if an update becomes available - don't just bash on an upgrade if you are entirely happy with how your Player is working - upgrades can sometimes go wrong, can sometimes have unexpected results, can even - rarely -result in your Player being irreparably damaged! So think about what the upgrade is offering and decide if you need that.
So what do I need to consider when thinking of upgrading?
First, your Player is the same hardware as a Mediagate Player (see http://www.airlinktek.com/ for details) but Freecom re-badge it for their own marketing. The aforementioned Airlinktek (otherwise known as "Al Tech") also develop the firmware which, I presume (I'm only guessing) they then sell to Freecom to use in the Freecom models. However - important point coming up - although the Mediagate and Freecom Players are essentially the same, they DO NOT always use exactly the same firmware! With the 35 model in particular, until recently, you HAD to use only the Freecom Firmware updates (which are posted from time to time on the Freecom Support site which you can find here) - in general, if you use Mediagate Firmware on a Freecom model 35 Player, at best your Player will not accept the update; at worst, your Player will be ruined. However, the position has now changed slightly - I've added a page specifically to deal with Mediagate Firmware for the Freecom 35 Player here.
With the 350 model, the problem is slightly different. At the time of writing, the 350 model ships from Freecom with Firmware Version 1.1.0. I, and other Freecom Forum Users have found, by trying it, that Mediagate Firmware updates seem to work without problem on the Freecom 350 model - I'm currently operating Mediagate's Version 1.1.3 Beta 4 version, which seems to run fine and offers some excellent additional functionality. BUT - be aware that using Mediagate firmware is likely to INVALIDATE YOUR WARRANTY - so think carefully before deciding to use the Mediagate firmware. In particular, steer clear of "beta" versions (which means these are still in testing mode) and check the Freecom and Mediagate Forums to learn from other users whether particular updates have proven satisfactory before you make the leap and upgrade.
How do I Upgrade?
Pretty straightforward - so long as you have the correct firmware!!! Make absolutely sure the version you are installing is the correct one for your Player - only use firmware from the Mediagate and Freecom sites - and DO NOT be tempted to try a different one - you will ruin your Player permanently. Note that you should normally only upgrade from the sequentially previous version - ie don't try to upgrade from version 1.4.4 to 1.4.7 in one go. There have been some (very few, it has to be said) reports on various Forums of upgrade problems where the cause is suspected to be to do with just that - trying to upgrade from a much older version without doing the intermediate upgrades also. So - I can't confirm whether that's true or not but, better safe than sorry.
Download the upgrade file to your hard drive - you might need to unzip it if it comes compressed (most don't).
If your Player has a hard drive fitted, copy or move the upgrade file to the root folder of the Player's drive. Then treat the upgrade file exactly as you would if it were a video file - when you select it and try to "play" it, you should see a message telling you the upgrade is in progress and not to switch off while it progresses.
If your Player has no hard drive fitted, connect to your PC by USB (or, as a last resort, by ethernet and NDAS) and, using the TV screen, navigate to the upgrade file on your PC, selecting it and "playing" it exactly as if it were a video file. When you select it, you should see a message telling you the upgrade is in progress and not to switch off while it progresses.
An update on the 35 model, with a hard drive fitted, should take less than a minute. Via USB or ethernet, the process could take a bit longer - I'd guess at 2 to 3 minutes maximum..On the 350 model, the process takes longer - maybe 2 to 3 minutes with a hard drive fitted, possibly up to 4 or 5 minutes over ethernet or USB. Certainly no more than those times.
If something goes wrong, all you can really do is start again. The most likely problems are: (a) using a wrong upgrade file (b) a power failure or accidental switch-off during the upgrade (c) if using USB or ethernet, there is an added possibility of something disrupting the network connection (which is why putting the file on the Player's hard drive is preferable). If something goes REALLY wrong and you can't get the Player to start again, well, no doubt you will be glad that you read - and adhered to - my advice above sticking with Freecom firmwares as that will not invalidate your warranty! If it ends up a disaster, it is technically possible to sort things but it requires specialist knowledge (and a special cable) - if you want to know more, go look at http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=822135 where, after much searching, you should find some detailed guidance (sorry I can't provide the exact link 'cos the pages on that site are constantly changing).
Anything to do after upgrade is successful?
With the 350 model, you may find the TV picture has turned black and white - easily sorted via the setup screeen, where you should go through all the options (you may find there are now additional options after an upgrade) and reset them to your own needs. With the 35 model, there should be nothing specific you need to do.
So, is it worth upgrading?
Yes! The 35 model will perform better and small bits of functionality (eg Playlists) should work better than before. With the 350 model, the improvements which can be obtained from the Mediagate firmware are very significant and worthwhile - in particular, FTP functionality and a first-class Internet Radio operation, whilst there are also some cosmetic improvements to menus and general appearance - but - don't forget - Mediagate frimware will invalidate your warranty AND might damage your Player - upgrade at your own risk!!
Hope it goes well for you!
The Techie from Sneckie
24 June 2007
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