Sony Announces Dolby Vision Firmware Update Available in January 2018 (1 Viewer)

[Martin Dew]

Martin Dew

Sony Announces Dolby Vision Firmware Update Available January 2018

A promised Dolby Vision firmware update which was announced nearly a year ago at CES 2017 will roll out on certain models this January, with other European models to follow in February.

The models highlighted for the update include the following:

4K OLED TVs - A1E Series

XBR-55A1E 55-inch

XBR-65A1E 65-inch

XBR-77A1E 77-inch

4K LCD TVs - Z9D Series, HDR-enabled

XBR-65Z9D 65-inch

XBR-75Z9D 75-inch

XBR-100Z9D 100-inch

4K LCD TVs - X930E and X940E, HDR-enabled

XBR-55X930E - 55-inch

XBR-65X930E - 65-inch

XBR-75X940E - 75-inch

Following the update, all TVs on the list will subsequently support HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision.

Dolby Vision is a premium HDR format which takes advantage of a 'dynamic metadata' system to optimize HDR picture quality on a scene-by-scene or even frame-by-frame basis. The content itself will control brightness and dimming, and Dolby Vision offers optimal tonemapping. As a result, content will look as good as it can, as the DV system measures the capabilities of your particular compatible model.

There's not much information beyond this at the moment, but please comment below if you've been waiting for this update for one of your Sony models, or if you have more nuggets to share...

 

[Adam Gregorich]

Glad to see its finally coming to the Z9D series!

 

[Todd Erwin]

Now, if Sony could just get Vudu and FandangoNow to play in 4K on their TVs and UHD Blu-ray players.....

 

[Sam Posten]

Meh, onboard apps all suck. Get a quality streamer.

 

[Todd Erwin]

I usually do not use apps built in to my TV. But you have to admit, it's rather odd that Sony is the only major TV mfr that is unable to stream Vudu in UHD. And the lack of UHD video apps on their UHD Blu-ray player, compared to what is available on Samsung and LG, is also appalling.

 

[gadgtfreek]

I've been thru a lot of streamers, and now that the ATV4K is maturing, it is all I use.

 

[Sam Posten]

Like I continue to say, with Atmos support the ATV becomes one box that has everything I need. Soon I hope! Maybe WWDC?

 

[gadgtfreek]

Its live!

 

[Robert_Zohn]

Here's the download link to upgrade all X1Extreme processor 2017 Sony TVs. Good for X930E, X940E, Z9D and A1E TVs.

https://esupport.sony.com/US/p/swu-download.pl?mdl=XBR55A1E&upd_id=11395&os_group_id=18

 

[Robert_Zohn]

Here's Sony's recommended instructions on how to upgrade your 2017 X1 Extreme equipped TV for the DV upgrade via USB.

USB Firmware upgrade Instructions:

STEP 1. Download and Transfer the Update File/Folder to Your USB Storage Device

Download the sony_dtvNetwork_2016_1602818100_naa_auth.zip file to a temporary or download directory (note this directory for reference) on your computer.
Go to the directory where the file was downloaded and verify that the size of the sony_dtvNetwork_2016_1602818100_naa_auth.zip file is 1,691,886,433 bytes.
Right-click the sony_dtvNetwork_2016_1602818100_naa_auth.zip file, and click Properties.
On the sony_dtvNetwork_2016_1602818100_naa_auth.zip Properties screen, verify that the Size listed is 1.57 GB (1,691,886,433 bytes).
Note:The Size on disk listed may be different. That's normal.
If the file size is different than the 1,691,886,433 bytes, download the sony_dtvNetwork_2016_1602818100_naa_auth.zip file again.
Extract the update file from the sony_dtvNetwork_2016_1602818100_naa_auth.zip file.
For Microsoft® Windows Vista®, Windows® 7, 8.1, or Windows 10 operating system:
Go to the directory where the file was downloaded and right-click the sony_dtvNetwork_2016_1602818100_naa_auth.zip file, and then click Extract All.
Note: For Windows 8.1 and 10, the default settings for Internet Explorer® will save the file in the Downloads folder. For Windows 10, use File Explorer to locate the Downloads folder, for Windows 8.1, click the Desktop tile from the Start screen and then locate the downloaded file using Windows Explorer.
At the Extract Compressed (Zipped) Folders window, click Extract.
A new file will be created called sony_dtv0FA60A0AA0AA_00004300_16026761000070.pkg.
For Apple® Mac OSX® operating system:
Go to the location where the file was downloaded and double-click the sony_dtvNetwork_2016_1602818100_naa_auth.zip file.
A new file will be created called sony_dtv0FA60A0AA0AA_00004300_16026761000070.pkg.
Connect a compatible USB storage device to your computer.
Note: Make sure there's enough space on your USB device.
Transfer the update file to the USB storage device:
For Windows operating system: Go to the directory where the file was created, right-click the sony_dtv0FA60A0AA0AA_00004300_16026761000070.pkg file and, from the menu, click Send To..., and then click the drive (EX: Removable Disk E that represents your USB device. The update file will be copied onto your USB device.
For Mac OS X operating system: Drag and drop the sony_dtv0FA60A0AA0AA_00004300_16026761000070.pkg file to the root folder of the USB device.
Note: The update will not be performed if the file isn't copied to the root directory of the USB device or if the file name is modified.
Remove the USB device from your computer and continue to the next section.

STEP 2. Perform the Firmware Update

The update process takes up to 30 minutes to complete. During the update, your TV screen will display progress information or may be blank. This is normal.
WARNING! Do not press any buttons, except as instructed, and do not remove the USB storage device from the TV until the update process is complete. Doing so may damage the TV to the point of requiring repair.
Turn on the TV.
Make sure no other USB devices are connected to the TV.
Insert the USB storage device into the USB port located on the side or back of the TV.
Note:The USB storage device can only be inserted into the USB port slot one way.
When the USB storage device is detected, a series of different messages will appear on the TV. Follow the on-screen instructions.
When the file is finished copying from the USB storage device, the update process starts and the POWER indicator on the TV begins flashing white with an update icon displayed on the screen.
After several minutes, the TV will turn off and then turn back on to complete the update.
WARNING! During the firmware installation process, do not remove the USB device, turn off the TV, or disconnect the TV from the power supply.
When the firmware update is complete, a message appears on the TV indicating the software update is complete.
After the update process completes, and the TV restarts, remove the USB device from the TV.
Check the current firmware version to confirm that the update has successfully installed.
If the version number is PKG6.2818.0070NAA, the firmware update was successful.
If the version number is not PKG6.2818.0070NAA, or if an error occurred during the software update, download and install the update again.

Trouble shooting:

Either message, An error occurred during the software update or Software cannot be updated using this USB device is displayed on the TV.
Resolutions:
Verify your USB device is in good working order and then perform the download and update process again.
Press the POWER button on the TV to turn it off, and then back on, and then perform the installation process again.
Note: If the message No newer version of the TV software was found is displayed, your TV already has the newer firmware installed.
Contact our Support team if you need assistance with the upgrade

 

[Sam Posten]

Early reports are that it is buggy with Apple TV:
http://www.avsforum.com/forum/166-l...ly-thread-no-price-talk-126.html#post55506884

 

[gadgtfreek]

Not working with Oppo either so far. Prob an app only update until Dolby releases black level fix.

 

[Sam Posten]

 

[Sam Posten]

Sony REALLY screwed the pooch on this rollout.

 

[Robert_Zohn]

After you update any Sony X1 Extreme equipped TV you will need to power the TV off and on and then go to the "settings" menu and reenable the "Enhanced" HDMI feature. This should get DV streaming to work.

Regarding DV not working over HDMI or USB here's what I know and have found out.

First, I want everyone to know that I personally watched DV play on Sony's Z9D and A1E at CES with Sony's new UBP-X700 UHD Blu-ray player player and Sony's USB content. I have the USB DV stick coming to me later this week and I'll play it in my showroom on all X1 Extreme equipped TVs.

Second, as everyone know DV works beautifully on streaming content.

Third, from what I can determine the issue is that Sony developed the DV upgrade to Dolby's latest profile and we need OPPO and Apple to update their devices. This is my best early evaluation. I'm waiting for verification and will keep everyone updated as I learn more.

Here's one of Dolby's technical .pdfs that explains their profile levels.

 

[gadgtfreek]

I got my apps working by downloading the FW to a stick and installing that way, not sure what happened the first time. Netflix looks pretty good.

 

[Sam Posten]

Sony has removed any mention of DV for this update on their firmware page.

https://esupport.sony.com/US/p/mode...te_id=1&region_id=1&tab=download#/downloadTab

 

[Bryan^H]

So wait , DV on apps only...no HDMI?

http://community.sony.com/t5/Televi...mware-update-going-to-be-available/m-p/661847

What in blazes are they playing at?

 

[gadgtfreek]

If I understood @Robert_Zohn correctly, he saw DV playing on a Sony player and a Sony A1E and ZD9 at CES, so I would not get excited yet.

 

[Sam Posten]

Johnny Archer is on the case!
https://www.forbes.com/sites/gradso...different-future-of-opportunity/#1e6349154b90

 

[gadgtfreek]

If this profile thing is true, just hilarious. I mean could DV be more of a mess? Its like getting a new operating system on your phone and some apps won't work... Meanwhile, HDR10 just rolling on by saying "look at me".

 

[Adam Gregorich]

Thanks for the update Robert. I loaded this on my Z9D yesterday and will go reenable the enhanced setting