AG-AC160 firmware update 1.11, have you done it?

[J. c. Berger]

Where is the link for upgrade? And did it include any release notes?

[Cg Coffyn]

You can sign up on the Panasonic website. It may have been when I registered the product, so it came by email. It’s a bit confusing as it’s titled, “P2 Asset Support System (PASS)” The email did not include any release notes, but maybe there is something on the site that I missed.

Here’s what they sent me:

P2 Asset Support System (PASS) Information, February 1, 2012 / Issue 51
———————————————————————-
[Update] AG-AC160 series Version 1.11
Stability of process in HE mode has been improved.
———————————————————————-
Download
https://eww.pass.panasonic.co.jp/p2ui/ShowContentsDetail.do?screenId=UI_P2UU_801&contentId=1078

Please visit below if you cannot open the above website:
https://eww.pass.panasonic.co.jp/pro-av/support/cs/csregistp2m/ep2main/soft/upgac160_e.htm

————————————————————————-
This is distributed to PASS members.
To be removed from the mailing list, please change the subscription status
in your “Customer profile” at the PASS members site:
Log in: https://panasonic.biz/sav/pass_e
————————————————————————-

[Stephen Crye]

Hi Panny People!

I might be on this Cow forum a lot in the next few weeks.

My sad story – since November 2011, I have purchased and returned:
* Three different Sony HXR-NX70s (for image quality problems that included inconsistent focus and horrible coma/chromatic aberration, particularly at full zoom)

* a Sony HXR-NX5U ( for “soft” image problems at wide angle and CA/coma at all zoom levels, plus the screen was too small and dim) However, it was a quality camera and I did not “hate” it.
* A sony NEX-VG20H (did not need to test for more than 1 hour, this is not a pro camera, low-light performance from the kit 18-200mm lens was a joke and I hated the shallow depth of field)

There is nothing left in the Sony lineup for me to test. I will hate giving up on the Sony PMB utility. I also really loved the 1080 60p mode (28 Mbps) on the NX70 and the VG20.

So, I was intrigued to learn that the AC160 firmware update will enable 1080 60p. This would be really, really great. Does anyone know what the bit rate will be? 24 Mbps will not cut it …

I plan to test an AC160 as soon as I get the refund for the VG20 I will be sending back tomorrow.

Some frame grabs from my nearly 6-months of testing pain can be viewed here: https://www.huecotanks.com/temp1 . Comments on how those images compare with the AC160 will be most welcome!

Thanks,

Steve

Win7 Pro X64 on Dell T3400, MultiTB SATA, 8GB RAM Vegas 10e (and 11) x64 DVDA 5.2(build 133) Sony HDR-CX550V

[Cg Coffyn]

Hey Stephen,
Thanks for posting. I”ve been a Sony guy forever and had looked at all the various cameras shooting AVCHD at NAB last year. I really like the 160p, but have yet had time to really try it out on an actual shoot. I’ve been up to my ears trying to finishing lots of stuff already in the can.

I’m so sorry to hear about your issues. Our baby step into HD 5 years ago was with the Sony Z1U. I really didn’t like HDV, but it worked best in our workflow back then. We had major issues with the back focus on this camera as did a friend of ours.

Anyway, all that to say I have not actually done the firmware update on the 160. Was not aware that the firmware update actually added any features, but I would think the bitrate, as it’s still AVCHD, would all be the same. Sounds like you should look at the AVC Intra camcorders.

[Stephen Crye]

Hi;

This blurb from Panny sure seems to imply new features will be implemented:
https://pro-av.panasonic.net/en/sales_o/news_info/news111116/111116.html

From that link:

InterBEE, Chiba, Japan (November 16th, 2011) — Panasonic corporation announced new firmware for its AVCCAM handheld camera recorder AG-AC160 will be available in spring 2012. The new firmware will allow AG-AC160 to record in full HD progressive formats complying with AVCHD progressive standard.

When new firmware is installed on AG-AC160, it can capture and record onto SD memory cards (SDXC/SDHC/SD)*1 in full HD progressive 1080/59.94p or 1080/50p format*2 complying with AVCHD progressive standard. LPCM audio recording is also available while its format is AVCHD progressive.

Panasonic corporation schedules to release new firmware on its web site “Service and Support” of https://pro-av.panasonic.net/en/ in spring 2012 to allow the customers download it for free. The customers can update AG-AC160 firmware with SD memory card.

*1: SDXC/SDHC/SD memory card Class 6 or higher is required.
*2: Output signals from HD SDI or HDMI terminals are converted to 1080/59.94i or 1080/50i. 1080/59.94p or 1080/50p signals can’t be output from the terminals.

Steve

Win7 Pro X64 on Dell T3400, MultiTB SATA, 8GB RAM Vegas 10e (and 11) x64 DVDA 5.2(build 133) Sony HDR-CX550V

[Cg Coffyn]

Excellent, thanks Steve. The only bit I knew was what little was said in the spiel when I downloaded the 1.11 update. It’s cool new features can be added like this.

I trust your next camcorder purchase will be a good one with no bugs.

[Cg Coffyn]

I’ve been trying to do the firmware update for the last hour. Wow, the instructions are not correct from the Panasonic PDF document I downloaded.

Does anyone have any idea how to do this? I’m sure other Panasonic cameras must be similar.

[Cg Coffyn]

OK, for those that google like a mad man and can’t find the answer here it is.

To do the firmware update:
DO NOT go into the menu, as step 3 indicates on the Panasonic PDF.

After turning the camcorder on and in the camera mode hit all three buttons at the exact same time and hold your breath or make a funny face 🙂 And the “UPDATE” selection will appear, the follow the rest of the instructions from Panasonic PDF. I had to try it a few times to get the selection exactly right.

The three buttons are the ones listed in the pdf, “Menu”, Exec” and the “Stop” tilt lever in the down position. Happy updating!!

[Karl Gerhard]

The “3 button pressing at once” technique is a pain. Not sure if the instructions are clear. I interpreted it to mean that the update menu would pop up. It doesn’t show up on my first menu screen that appears when using this method. I had to scroll down through the menu to find it.

Updated and now trying to figure out how to get to 1080/60P. That is not showing up as a selectable format in the menu so far…….

I demo’d a 160 back about 6 weeks ago and it did have the 1080/60p. It is nice!

[Cg Coffyn]

I don’t think this first update that I just did actually offers that. I looked as well and did not see it, so I’m wondering if it’s actually coming soon or during NAB.