[gregD]

Here is a forum that is aggressively pursuing the firmware fix to resolve disc compatibilitiy problems with the Pioneer DV-563A universal player:

http://www.quadraphonicquad.com/foru...ead.php?t=3020

Even after a month of numerous contacts with Pioneer, there still doesn't seem to be a definitve statement of whether firmware can be obtained by customers, or if the firmware can at least make its way to the nearest authorized repair facilities, or if units need to be shipped, or who picks up shipping charges.

The good news is that Pioneer has at least come around to acknowledge the problem, and come up with some kind of fix... furthermore, the fix will presumably be included in new units currently shipping.

For my part, I'm taking a wait-and-see position... haven't bought many hi-res discs, anyway.

[AndrewErickson]

How about changing the DVD-A crossover from the obscene 200 Hz down to 80 to 100 Hz while they're at it?

[DavidK]

Here's the Pioneer Product Support line #: product support line (800)421-1404 (using phone menu choices 1,6) too call.


*ALL*
Update, I just got off the phone with Pioneer support.

According to them, there are 8 service centers in USA that can do the firmware upgrade...the one you'd send to depends on your location. Mine it turns out (I'm in Ga) is Denver Colorado(strange but that was the closest he said). When you call the above Tel nbr, the support person will supply you the name of the closest Service Center to you and their tel nbr - you need to call them(Service Center) b4 you ship it to them!

Also, he said that the owners had to pay for shipping to the Service Center-Pioneer only pays the return shipping

Lastly, there is no known range of serial nbrs for those affected - again according to this support person. He did say that this issue was early yet and that more info &.or repair choices may come available. But, I asked about a firmware CD, specifically, that could be shipped to owners instead of owners having to ship their units off; and he said: "not yet" and that - for now - this was not possible...only repairs available now are thru the 8 specific Service Centers.

How about a large raaazzz for Pioneer on this one -

[Tod Golden]

What is one of the discs that I can pick up to see if mine will play it?

Tod

[DarylA]

My understanding is that it occurs with any disc from Warner, Rhino and Universal. I picked up my 563a 3 weeks ago and then found out about this firmware issue. I went in search of a Warner disc to confirm the problem. I picked up The Nightfly by D. Fagen and played it without problem in the DVD-A format on my 563a. Except for being thin with bass (a 563a disadvantage) it played fine. I will be trying T-Rex next. Might some newer models of the 563a have the firmware update?
Daryl

Neil Young's "Greendale" has been frequently mentioned.

[gregD]

This article contains a fairly thorough description of the problem:

http://www.highfidelityreview.com/ne...umber=10659686

[Ted Lee]

thx for the info. i haven't had any issues yet, but i've only just bought the darn thing ... figures.

[Paul.S]

Thx, GregD, for the HFR and Quadrophonicquad.com links. Read the former and am reading the latter but would like to broach this issue here as well:

Is the problem limited to surround mixes or are stereo tracks not playing on some discs as well?

Ironic: in Jan. 1999 I sent my first DVD-V player (the Tosh SD-2108) to the manuf. for firmware upgrade (it supposedly did not play the original Alien) and now it would appear similar hashizzle will be involved on my first uni player. Tosh sent me back a completely different 2108.

-p

[Paul.S]

Pretty damn remarkable that the firmware upgrade ("software patch") is mentioned in this article in a local, mainstream newspaper, The Hartford [Connecticut] Courant.

"Low-Cost Players Could Save SACD, DVD-Audio"

-p