Current Halo software version and update issues

[Chris D]

I talked with Paul at Parasound today, and got some good info on the update issue. Apparently yes, the current version available is 6.42. Version 6.49 was developed, but bugs were found, and it is not currently available to the public. If anyone inadvertently has version 6.49, they should contact Parasound for instructions.

Apparently, version 6.42 was released very shortly after the debut of the Halo equipment, so just about everyone should have 6.42 as the "initial" software that came with your Halo equipment delivered from the manufacturer.

Parasound is currently testing a newer software version beyond 6.49 that will be released when it is verified to be okay.

Future updates should be announced on the Parasound website. Depending on the type of update, it may be available as a new EPROM chip or a software update that can be delivered, or downloaded and flashed into the equipment via the serial port.

*** UPDATE 28 FEBRUARY 2005***

The newest C1/C2 processor software version is now 6.80, available for download on the Parasound website.

*** UPDATE 28 SEPTEMBER 2005***

The newest C1/C2 processor software version is now 6.86. If you download the same file as above, it now shows up as 6.86, which fixes the bug that some were getting with main channels signals coming out of the rear surround speakers.

[nicholtl]

What are some of the bugs, Chris? The only 2 I've discovered are that every once in a blue moon, when I power down the entire system, the C2 remains in "powering down" mode, and hence the amps (which are connected via 12 volt triggers) remain on. I am forced to manually switch the unit off by the switch at the back.

The only other bug I know of is that Party Mode engages a 7.1 sound field, instead of the 5.1 it was designed to. For me, this is a "good bug."

[Chris D]

Ah, sorry! I didn't even bother to ask what the bugs might have been. (may have seemed rude to ask what flaws a company found in a product that they aren't even releasing to the public) The version issue was just interesting.




CHRIS
Luke: "Hey, I'm not such a bad pilot myself, you know"

[Scarp]

My brand new unit has 6.37 on it. I contacted Parasound about it and was assured that not much was changed in the 6.42 and that it would be advisable to just wait until there is a version worth upgrading for.

And they are right, because I havent noticed any problems.

edit: made this topic sticky since it contains very usefull info.

[smalone]

So how long does it take Parasound to test a new version of the software and release it?

[Scarp]

Don't know, but there has been no official release since the release of the equipment. There have been some intermediate versions and updates since the start. 6.52 seems the latest version, however still not officially released. I know they are working on various things and really want the new firmware to be working properly before releasing it. These things shouldn't rushed, since solving one problem should not introduce another.

Please keep watching this space for news on a new firmware.

[Mike Ferrari]

I just took delivery of my C2 a couple of days ago. It has 6.52 installed (October 2003).

[Chris D]

Just so everyone knows, the Halo Control software posted on the Parasound website http://www.parasound.com/halonew/C1downloads.asp was updated on 29 April 2003. Version 1 was previously dated 20 August 2002, and the current version is version 2. (file name HaloSetup_v11)

The MX-700 Remote Editing software has not been updated since first posted to the same webpage, dated 22 May, 2003.




CHRIS
Luke: "Hey, I'm not such a bad pilot myself, you know"

[smalone]

Any updates on an update?

I would like to try the new DPIIx version.

[rob755]

Hi, Excuse my lack of knoewledge about these questions, which may have been discussed...but I'm new & seriously considering a C2. Does anyone know if PLIIx is in the works? Is there a new model RIGHT around the corner that will offer much that the current unit will not be upgradeable to? How is Parasound about the pricing for in upgrades requiring in house mods? Is the warranty transferrable? Any & all feedback will sure be appreciated. Kind Regards, Rob

[ralniv]

I picked up my Halo C2 on April 17, 2004 and it was loaded with 6.52 (October 2003). According to Parasound, 6.52 is the current firmware release.

I talked to Paul as well and found out that PLIIx support is forthcoming for the C2 processor. I believe he said by end of year it will be available for download or available via your authorized dealer.

[Scarp]

The end of the year? Wow ... and last year they promised feb/march for new firmware. Btw ... i advice everybody to contact their local distributor or dealer before installing a new firmware (even if its available for download). This is because the warranty is with the local distributor and not with parasound, so they might have different policies (I found this out the hard way!).

[ralniv]

This is because the warranty is with the local distributor and not with parasound, so they might have different policies (I found this out the hard way!).

Hmmm. My authorized dealer told me that I can contact the dealer or Parasound for technical issues. I wonder if the policy on this varies from country to country.

What happens if your dealer went out of business on year 2 of your 10 year warranty? I think Parasound will ultimately honor the warranty if you purchased from an authorized dealer.

[Chetk]

What's the word on this software upgrade?

I'd like to have Circle Surround capabilities and PLIIx too of course!

Also, when these software updates occur for the C2, does the C1 get the same treatment and the same timeline?

Thanks!

[Chris D]

Well, I hate to sound like a broken record, but... nothing official has been announced.

I would have to say yes, if anything comes out for the C1, more than likely it will come out for the C2 as well. Since the two units have the same capabilities except for a hardware component or two, I think this will continue in the future. One notable exception might be though if they add HDMI switching or something where more ports can fit on the back of the C1 than the C2, kind of like the component switching.

I would venture that the next update will likely include DPLIIx, but no guesses about Circle Surround.

[Scarp]

@chris: the expansion port of both units has the same size. The only difference is that the C1 has more space left inside the unit, but if they now create something that would only fit the C1, then why did they ever make an expansion port on the C2?

[Swfalcon]

What is the last firmware for halo C2 ? The 6.52 ?

Where are the firmware file to download? I don't find firmware on the parasound/halo's website ...

Have you new information for the prologic II-X?

thanks

[Swfalcon]

I have asked to the parasound's service : Is there a software upgrade for halo C2 to have prologic II-X?

and they answer me this :
Thank you for your email.


We expect to have an upgrade available at the end of 2004 or the beginning of 2005. There will most likely be several items in this upgrade package. We will release details in the late fall.


Regards,
Paul C. Brownlee
Parasound

after a second e mail :

There will most likely be several upgrades offered.

The PLIIX will be software.

There will most likely be a hardware upgrade for new connectors being offered.



There will be an announcement in late fall.

[Chetk]

HEY!!! Nice new info. I can't wait for more options!!! :T

[awtryau89]

Great info but I do not want to wait that long. I suspect Parasound has DPLIIx available now but they are holding off because they want to add other features to the upgrade package.

[bhuskins]

It should be a little sooner

The software update will be out in the next 45-90 days and will be free. Anyone that inquires with Parasound about this will be told by the end of the year, but it will be here much sooner. Expect to see many upgrades, not just DPLIIx. They have been working on this for quite some time and everyone will benefit. Being that I'm a dealer I have access to more specific information. I would suggest that anyone interested in the upgrade contact their dealer so that they can inquire with Parasound for you. They will be much more likely to get exact information.

[Scarp]

wow... updates a year later than promised before

[Chetk]

50 days and counting...

[cameronl]

Pro Logic IIx is almost here!

hi there all, I just received an email today from Parasound - here is a snipet...

"PLIIx is imminent - you'll only have to be patient a bit longer."

I've already got an A52, but now I've got an excuse to get a C2 as well...if only they weren't so expensive in the UK

CaM

[dts_boy]

caM,
I see that you have crupmled under pressure and have now got a c2, well done! nice to see another uk user here!

[cameronl]

indeed!

...resistance was futile!

yep, I represent another uk bod here as well as being probably the only kiwi presence

CaM

caM,
I see that you have crupmled under pressure and have now got a c2, well done! nice to see another uk user here!

[Chetk]

80 days and counting...

[Chetk]

Hey Brent,

What's the word?

[Chris D]

Chetk, you're too funny. I must have missed the buzzer that went off. (Did I hit the snooze button?)

[Chetk]

Sorry, I'm not trying to be an @$$. Really! I'm just curious about these upgrades from Parasound. It's been a while and my upgrade port is getting lonely.

[cameronl]

I talked to someone from parasound on friday and they said that they were just fixing a bug and that after that it would be relased....which i hope means very soon

CaM

[Chris D]

arty: I would translate this to mean sometime in the end of this year, as a guess.

[bhuskins]

That's correct CaM. For all those waiting...we should see something very soon. The update was ready and then in the last hour Parasound found a bug that needed to be fixed before the eminent release. Too bad...they were close to meeting that 90 day window Chet was counting down. :B I think if we bump it another 30-60 days we should be safe. Chet do you have your clock?...ready...set...go... :B

I also think everyone will be pleasantly surprised. Lot's of cool stuff coming.

One other note...EHExpo is in 3 weeks in Long Beach...rumor has it something might show up there. :gossip:

[Jariten]

:T

I love dem gossips!!!

Yes ..software bugs are a pain....


oh well...
:B

[Chetk]

:T Thanks for the update Brent. I've got the clock ticking. :P :B

[Chetk]

Hey Brent,

Are you going to be at the Expo tomorrow? If so, can you do me a favor and stop by the Parasound booth to see if the update is ready to go?

Thanks!!!
Later!

[nicholtl]

Chetk, you are definitely the most eager beaver on these boards for that update!

[Chetk]

If the truth be known, I don't even know what the update is going to do. I'm just eager for something new. I'm most interested in the upgrade cards. I'd like DVI, but I don't think it's going to happen. I wouldn't even care if it's not available until 2005. I just want to know what the hardware upgrade options are going to be.

Fact is, I hate it when manufactures build something that is upgradable and then never offer anything to upgrade it. Once Parasound brings out an upgrade, I'll know they are a sound company (No pun intended.) Mitsubishi didn't bring out many upgrades for their "promise" module which ended up being a broken "promise". :M

[nicholtl]

Excellent point. The proof is in the pudding.

[Brian]

Parasound upgraded the AVC-2500, didn't they?

cough, cough, Dec. 15th, cough.

[Chris CRt]

What happens on the 15th. Cough, Cough? :W

[Chetk]

We get to count down the 10 days of Christmas. LOL :B

[Brian]

The first software upgrade. That is the date Parasound is shooting for. It will be free and available from your dealer.

[nicholtl]

Good sh!t.

[bhuskins]

I'm at EXPO and Parasound will show the AVC-2500 replacement in the classic series tomorrow...I'll post details as I get them over the next couple days. This is a PrePro that competes with the AVM-30 and others at the $3K price point. It should be fully loaded and also help drive the feature set improvements of the Halo line. They obviously don't want their new prepro to be better than the current Halo gear, even if it's only on paper. They should also show their new multi-channel amps as well. Upgrades for Halo (both software and hardware) are due very soon. I'll also post if there are any official Halo announcements from the EXPO as well.

Brent Huskins
Media Design

PS - Any of my clients in the LA area feel free to call me on my cell if you want to hook up in Long Beach, 817.300.1223