BBC HD Audio droput when switching from 1080p to 1080i

[drchrissmith]

Hi

Just an enquiry on what the status is of the recently introduced problem on the BBC HD channel on the EX503 (and probably all 2010 Sony TV's that can receive Freeview HD). The new BBC HD codec now allows for dynamic switching between 1080p and 1080i content which causes a short dropout in the audio stream on Sony TV's. Is this problem going to be addressed by Sony/BBC with an update as it makes BBC HD fairly unwatchable with the continuous audio dropouts.

Other than this issue very happy with the TV (aprt from not being able to slect HD channel override so BBC1/ITV etc could be set to use the HD version by default).

Thanks

Chris

[copicke45]

Whilst I do partially agree with Chrisbrowe that with certain critical updates like this there is a strong case for an OTA update so that every unit out there gets updated, I can't understand his problem with the USB update. You just unzip the download and put the enclosed folder on the root of a USB stick!

Personally my TV has a 24/7 internet connection so is perfectlly happy updating by itself at 3am if new firmware becomes available. Most of the time I don't even realise until I happen to look at the system info page.

Isn't part of the problem with new IPTVs now the sheer size of the firmware files making OTA download impractical?

Message was edited by: copicke45

Message was edited by: copicke45

[chrisbrowe]

So it's the folder that goes on the USB stick then,

Back to the principle, owners of Sony Televisions should not be dependent on owning a computer to get updates, when there's an established route via the DTG managed Engineering channels (ECs) to provide these. The financial argument is irrelevant, if a manufacturer decides to go into the market for Freeview (and Freesat for that matter) receivers the costs of using the ECs that are accessable simply by switching the receiver on, should be built into the product cost accordingly.

[Catmambo]

Problem with the DTG OTA updates is that there are so many brands of TV's out there, the calender becomes very busy and its just inconvenient to have to keep checking to see if an update is available.

I think on 2011 devices you can force the TV to check for new firmware over IP, so negating the need for USB sticks altogether, much like Blu-ray and PS3.

[copicke45]

New firmware now available via Internet Software Update for 2010 models, and the problem is fixed! :smileyhappy::smileyhappy::smileyhappy:

OK - it took 11 1/2 weeks since the BBC changed their transmission method, but now there are no more glitches on BBC HD when the mode changes between 1080p & 1080i on my 2010 Bravia, which has updated to PKG4.104EUL-0108.

My 2011 Bravia however is still on PKG3.212EUA-0104 at present. So presumably the update is not available for 2011 models just yet.

Note - the 2010 firmware is not available via the support website yet - you must have an internet connection for your TV to pick it up.

[daander75]

I have a 2010 Bravia KDL-EX503 and it is connected to the Internet, but I am still on PKG4.099EUL-0108 today.

I have autoupdates set to on.

How do I force an update, or does it happen in the background?

Has the set to be in standby or on to receive the update via the internet?

Sorry, but the manual, such as it is, makes no mention of Internet updates.

Message was edited by: daander75

Message was edited by: daander75

[copicke45]

It normally happens in the background but you need to ensure Software Update is turned on.

From the Home menu go to Settings > Product Support and set System Update to On. Then go into standby ensuring the internet connection is available. Hopefully the next time you switch on it has updated, but do give it some time to ensure the update completes successfully.

If System Update is already on and you want to try to force an update you could try turning the setting off, and then on again, and then going to standby. This worked for me at least.

2011 models have an option to force an update.

[daander75]

Thanks, have got the update now (104). I just switched to standby and then saw the flashing yellow led on the left of the TV, which I presume indicated that the firmware was being updated. when I switched back on again I checked the version and it had updated.

Looking forward to being able to watch HD again without glitches.:smileyhappy:

[stevehicks]

Excellent - set updated and no sound glitches.

[gibster]

my 46HX803 has updated via ethernet, no more problems on BBC1 HD.

many thanks to Sony for fixing this, much appreciated.

[Greybeard9]

My 2010 KDL-32EX403 downloaded the 104 update automatically from the internet and now switches seamlessly between 1080p and 1080i in Auto Scene mode.

Thanks Sony!