Chris Dolan
Forum Replies Created
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Thanks… I looked at the overview on the CalibratedSoftware site but I’m not sure how it works- as a plugin?
Chris Dolan
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I thought I’d update this thread because I successfully updated the firmware myself. This is offered as a data point, not to discredit those who advised against the DIY approach. As it is currently my only camera, much consideration was given to the associated risks.
I searched high and low for an actual, authorized Sony service center in Beijing and came up empty. The only location listed on Sony’s website was in Shanghai, and those that I found in Beijing were questionable. I called SIM Video in Beijing and spoke to Ansen, who stated he had done the upgrade himself on a number of cameras. Considering that Ansen did the upgrade simply by following the instructions, I figured I should be able to do it myself with almost the same risk. I didn’t trust any of the other “service centers” I found in my search, and felt I am potentially more competent or at least as competent as anyone else based on what I’ve seen here for so-called ‘technicians.’ Ansen reassured me by saying I shouldn’t have any problems if I just follow the instructions, so I did.
The upgrade went smoothly and the camera is showing version 1.25 installed. It also accepts a recently purchased Hoodman SxS adapter with 32 gig SD card, so far with no errors. The only change I’ve noticed is a reduction in the available memory on the SxS cards. A 16 gig card shows 55 minutes where it previously indicated 57 minutes, even with a re-format.
I do appreciate the advice given here and respect the collective expertiese, but I wanted to offer an opinion and data point that this can be done successfully if the instructions are properly followed.
Chris Dolan
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Thanks for the replies! I formatted the card again and also updated it, so I’m not sure which one fixed it, but it is now showing 57 minutes remaining.
Chris Dolan
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I guess I will find the Sony center in Beijing. I originally didn’t want to deal with the hassle of finding it, getting there (Beijing’s traffic is horrendous) waiting a couple of days, and spending the money. I thought it would be simple enough to do it myself, as I am technically competent, however it sounds like it isn’t worth the risk. I just don’t understand why the camera is so sensitive, why a simple firmware update could fry the motherboard.
Chris Dolan
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I posted a link to a site where I’ve been reading about this update, but the link apparently contained a word which required my post to be submitted for moderation… -I guess links to that site aren’t welcome here.
Anyway- I read on that site some people had problems, but others installed it without issue. Is it because of the Mac/ PC issue? Which is the preferred method? Many people reported the installation resulted in a crash or other problem but when they attempted it a second time were successful.
I’m in Beijing and I’m not sure: A) if I trust it to be done correctly here, and B) where to find a legal, qualified support center.
Chris Dolan
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I’ve been reading through the thread below, and while I see people reported problems, there also appear to be plenty of people who did it successfully.
Chris Dolan
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Thanks Rafael! I clicked the blue SEARCH menu item in the main EX1 forum – no doubt why I came up empty. 😉
Chris Dolan
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Scott- Maybe I misread his intent in that thread, but he didn’t sound like someone who quit his day job to pursue a profession in video editing. It sounded like he is a piano teacher who wants to provide a leaning tool for his students and has decided to do it himself.
How much would you charge him to provide the same video? If he and his students can live with the sub-par quality and it is a useful learning tool, what’s wrong with him doing it himself? Kudos to him for taking the initiative and time to figure it out himself.
Let me put your mind at ease; you don’t need to worry about losing market share to a guy making movies with a flip cam and iMovie.
Chris Dolan
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“For a second-world country, we sure seem to borrow a lot of money from them. And how is it that an immature, unsophisticated country like China can maintain a 228 billion dollar trade deficit with the US?”
Shawn,Do you live here/ have you lived here? Live in Beijing for a while and you’ll see what I’m talking about.
The OP suggested China is ‘the center of the universe.’ If I grasp the concept correctly, the ‘center of the universe’ should be more than just a place from which you can borrow money. The reason the US outsources so much work to China is because large numbers of people here are paid annually less than you spend per year on lunch and dinner. What would a minimum wage of $10 or $20/hr for skilled workers in China do to that 228 billion dollar trade deficit?
I think China has a lot of potential…but it’s just not there yet.
Chris Dolan
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I haven’t read through all of the responses to your post Mark, but I have to say; Despite its thousands of years of history, China still is still severely lacking in the western civilities, social behavior and ways of conducting business to which we are accustomed.
I’ve only been in Beijing since September of ’09 but that length of time is, in my humble opinion, long enough to know this country has a long way to go before it can truly be considered the “center of the universe.” I think the culture attempts to emulate (or maybe ‘copy’ is a better word) the West in many ways but lacks its maturity and sophistication. China is still a second-world country.
Chris Dolan