ONKYO PLEASE ADVISE: Should NR616/515 owners go ahead and update firmware?

Onkyo, considering the issues with devices going bad (5-82 error), do you still recommend other NR616 (and NR515) owners proceed with the latest firmware update? Please advise what Onkyo's thoughts are on this and what owners should expect in terms of chance of success that the FW update will complete AND it will solve issues with HDMI pass through with Network Standby enable AND ability to power on device via remote control.

Also please advise what steps to take (up and above the instructions provided for FW update if any) to increase chances of successful FW install.

Thanks!

for what its worth - i have been asking this same question in the forum for several days and Onkyo hasn't even had the courtesy to respond. I took this to mean that they either don't know or don't want to commit in writing that they have a problem and don't know how a firmware update will impact individual units.

that being said, this morning i went ahead and performed the update. i had the firmware version that was pulled earlier and i was ready for a complete brick with my 616 at the conclusion of the process.

it didn't go perfectly, as far as a process is concerned. at one point it stuck at a '100%' screen and i had to unplug the unit to reset (i feared the worst at this point). but, it came back on and then completed a 3rd download cycle.

at this point it is working - not bricked. i can't speak to all of the symptoms since many of them take time to surface. but, at this point it is working.

i can't recommend you do the latest update, but at least there is now a record in this forum of 616s being bricked and Onkyo contacting those individuals about replacements. that was my decision point in this - try it and if it bricked contact Onkyo for a replacement. whether that happens or not for the other owners, of course remains to be seen.

i hope that helps in some way.

chuck

Chuck, thanks for the info. Yes, very helpful. I also want to get a recommendation from Onkyo. Onkyo?

Bump. Onkyo, is there a reason you are not responding to this while responding to other later posts?

Hi mamdali,

I apologize for the delay; yes the update should be done. If you have any questions let us know.

Thank you.

Thanks for your response. Can you provide further thoughts on steps to take to minimize chances of FW failure and ruining the device? Are there additional steps to the pre-existing FW update instructions we need to take to alleviate update failure? If there aren't, can you provide thoughts as why some FW updates have seemingly failed? This would help us in understanding the current conditions of the 616s and 515s.

Thanks!

Hi mamdali,

If you are unsure of the stability of your network connection, you should do the update via USB by downloading the firmware on our website.

http://www.onkyousa.com/download/software.cfm

The FW update instructions indicate enabling NET when applying update. Does this apply when installing via USB or should NET remain disabled? The instructions seem to imply having NET enabled regardless of update medium. Please advise.

Mamdali

Hi mamdali,

You are correct please follow the steps outlined in the instructions.

I have done the update and have no problems to report here. I got my 616 last week and throughout the updates I have not had any problems. Not really sure why others are having these problems but my hdmi pass through works, I've had no problems with audio loss, my remote turns on my receiver, all streaming services work, and all updates have completed successfully. I hate that others are having problems because my views of the receiver are 100% positive. Just so you know my history: I got the receiver last week and completed initial setup, got a prompt to update to the current firmware so I updated, I then had to rerun audessey because the update erased my settings, then yesterday I got the prompt and updated to the latest. Besides setting up siriusxm and enabling pass-through I haven't messed with any other settings. Not sure why others are having problems but I'm 100% fine here.

Hi alex57900,

Thank you for the positive feedback.

alex57900 wrote:I have done the update and have no problems to report here. I got my 616 last week and throughout the updates I have not had any problems. Not really sure why others are having these problems but my hdmi pass through works, I've had no problems with audio loss, my remote turns on my receiver, all streaming services work, and all updates have completed successfully. I hate that others are having problems because my views of the receiver are 100% positive. Just so you know my history: I got the receiver last week and completed initial setup, got a prompt to update to the current firmware so I updated, I then had to rerun audessey because the update erased my settings, then yesterday I got the prompt and updated to the latest. Besides setting up siriusxm and enabling pass-through I haven't messed with any other settings. Not sure why others are having problems but I'm 100% fine here.

Glad to hear that you don't face a problem. But there are many who are affected. Me too. Mine is a 515.

I have been using the unit over 1 month (got it since May 9). The problem doesn't always show up. I have already swapped to another 515 unit therefore illuminate the case of faulty unit. The issue may strike in next morning after one night standby, or, it may strike in 3 days later. It seems to relate to device activity (including devices connecting to it). My settop box is connected to the receiver and it has scheduled recording which turns on / off itself depending on time of day. Its activity seems to affect how soon the problem show up.

Anyway, if your box is fine, lucky you. But the bug definitely exists (refer to all the related posts found here that affect not only ordinary users but also experienced system installers). So you and everyone should hope Onkyo issue a fixing that prevent the problem happen to you and anyone in future (if not happening now).

Frankly speaking, after testing the various so-called new firmwares in last 4 weeks I kind of tired to try it again.

I hope Onkyo can understand not all end users are willing to be beta tester.

Unlike the other users, and I speak for myself only, I would rather Onkyo to well test a new firmware instead of rushing out premature firmware that has no effect but run risk in bricking the receiver. Think about upset users who spare their time and effort in downloading, setting and testing the firmware to find out it is of no improvement.

The HDMI blank screen issue is annoying. It is like your brand new car in garage doesn't always turn on by your key but requires engine jump start. Nobody wants a device like that.

However, I can temporarily solve the problem using a USD$10 timer power socket (auto power reset it at 2am). I still want a firmware that completely fix the problem - that's your commitment to your quality product, your loyal customers.

This faulty firwmare has definitely damage the brand a lot. But damage is done already. For those who decided to leave Onkyo, you can't save them. For those who choose to stay, Onkyo should take care of them by concentrating in fixing the issue, then release a firmware that works.

Don't keep sending us false hope. Handle firmware upgrade wisely. For example, if the engineeing group wants someone to help test a firmware; state it clearly like "For those who want to try...". At least we end users have a choice to decide we want to participate in testing or not.

..I've downloaded the firmware dated 26-6-12 onto a USB stick. It's a zipped file. Do I need to unzip it first or just go straight ahead and put the USB stick into the front USB socket of the 616?
I'm hoping this will work but having read all the previous posts here and on various other forums I'm not feeling confident.
z3

Z3, I found this: It's an Onkyo video showing how to do a USB install.

www dot you tube dot com/watch?v=caIf0ex0lhw

Please let us all know how it goes!

Hi z3,

Yes the zipped file must be unzipped. Please follow the procedure as outlined.

Thank you.

Mine was one of the ones that was bricked by the upgrade. The problem I have with the replacement is that it will eat into the time I have before my 30 days are up. By the time I send it to them and get the other unit it will likely be a week or even 2. At this point I will be stuck with the unit and at the mercy of updates to HOPE they fix the unit.

OK thanks mamdali, Ill wait a couple of days before trying.
z3