Olevia BDP-110 Firmware Upgrade

[DJtechguy]

Seeing that I only paid $150 for my Olevia Blu-Ray player, I went out on a limb and played with my machine. As posted on here earlier, Olevia's player is actually manufactured by a Chinese company by the name of Contel. They not only manufacture the Olevia player, but the Memorex, as well. On the Memorex website, they have the latest firmware update to allow the viewing of X-files, Horton hears a who, etc. (50 gb dual layer blu rays) I decided to flash my Olevia with this firmware to see what would happen. This is what occurs: Upon powering the machine back on after turning it off following the update, your machine will now display on your monitor that it is a Memorex, not an Olevia. The little blue display that shows the text on the front of the machine will now display gibberish and the controls on the front panel will be inoperative. (power button, open/close switch, etc.)

However, your remote for the Olevia will still work 100% and you will be able to watch ANY Blu Ray that is currently available! I tried The Dark Knight, Horton Hears a Who, and the X-Files (I want to believe pt.2) All worked perfectly! You have to be patient for a minute or two while the machine loads because you can't read the text on the display, but everything displayed on your TV will be normal. If you don't like the change or can't handle not being able to see the text on the built in display, then simply re-flash the firmware with Olevia's and you'll be back to normal! I figure that I'll keep my machine an 'unofficial' Memorex unit until Olevia is able to remedy this with their software. Then I will simply re-flash my firmware with their latest fix and it will then be able to use all of the current Blu Ray DVD's, and the front panel will once again be operative.

It's safe - I did it without a hitch and it is reversible. As an FYI, Memorex's firmware update is dated (created) on 12/24/08 and it is in the form of a .zip This way, you won't have to 'burn' the ISO image onto a CD-R or CD-RW, all you have to do is simply download the firmware update, save the .zip file to any location on your hard drive, extract all (highlight all) and drag over to your blank, formatted CD-R or CD-RW. Follow the same instructions as to how to update your firmware via Olevia's website and you're good to go. Here's their website: http://www.memorex.com/support/suppo....php?pid=50719 Have fun! -DJ

[Tybae]

You rock! Thanks!

[rdodolak]

Originally Posted by DJtechguy

I decided to flash my Olevia with this firmware to see what would happen.

I've read that a few other owners tried this as well and ran into some issues down the road (including trying to get back to the original Olevia firmware). This would definitely be something you would want to do at you own risk since it would void any manfucaturer's warranty.

The Memorex player is based on the Contel BD-100C whereas the Olevia player is based on the BD-100; so they're not 100% identical.

[DJtechguy]

Rdodolak - What you say is true and worth posting. These machines are not identical, but the software is extremely similar. I certainly don't want anyone to waste their money and ruin their investment. Caveat emptor.

With this said, I really didn't care if I bricked my player as I only paid $150 on sale for this unit. However, I have went back and forth flashing this player three (3) times between Olevia's latest firmware and Memorex's lastest version and it switches seamlessly between the two. Being that you can still access the screen on your player (after flashing it to a Memorex) that allows you to update your firmware, the machine doesn't care if you put on an older version or a newer one. It simply doesn't know the difference. Typically, the only time that this is an issue is with equipment like the Sony PSP handheld gaming system, as they put in code that doesn't allow you to revert your operating system to avoid piracy, but that isn't an issue here. Also, I should mention that you don't need to worry about "issues down the road", as once the unit has been successfully re-flashed, (via Olevia's update), the unit will operate like the day it was created. (technologically speaking) Either the unit will run or it won't; the software won't wait to create a problem later on. (Now, if it were based on Windows...-ha)

Since my original post an hour or so ago, I have since switched my player back to an Olevia (firmware rev. dated 10.22.08) and the display is back in English and the buttons on the unit work as they should. (As you can see, I have too much time on my hands - off from work on a Xmas break!) Of course, now I can't watch my Blu Ray copy of the X-Files on this unit, but that's what my PS3 is for... If I have any negative encounters, I'll re-post, but for now, my unit is back to 'factory fresh' and everything works like it should! (Except with new 50gb dual layer Blu Rays!) Good luck everyone!

[rdodolak]

DJtechguy,

It's good to hear the results of your experiment. We have a bunch of new forum members lately and for some this is the first time ever for them to try and load firmware. I just wanted to throw the word of caution out there since this is something that these members probably shouldn't try.

In terms of firmware, some of the name brand players currently out there won't let you revert back to old firmware so it's hit and miss. I think you've seen some of the effects of the differences in these players (e.g. front display).

However, I haven't seen so many people complain about firmware issues with players as I've seen with these players. I guess the old phase "you get what you pay for" rings true with these players.

It's evident the firmware releases for the Olevia player are behind the Memorex releases. There may even be a problem with the Olevia firmware, but some members have reported in successfully getting the firmware to work so I'm at a loss at what might be the problem.

It's true that these players are cheaper, but for some I think they'll ultimately get more piece of mind with a bit more expensive name brand player.

[Blix]

Ok, so I went through the menu to the firmware update, put in the disc then the screen went flickered and the Olevia main screen got a red tint. Someone mentioned it taking around 8 mins so I left and played a Call of duty match then came back and on the screen I could go through the files on the CD. I turned it off and on and I am unsure if the update actually worked?

How do I tell if the firmware was updated? I just ordered Dark Knight from netflix so I am not sure if it is playable from the looks of other people here.

[browndk26]

Firmware smp8634-1.0-r1.1-20, Subversion 20081022-0a is on my player after the update. Dark Knight played fine for me.

[Blix]

I see, that's what mine says as well. Are you positive that's what it's suppose to read after the update. Can anyone else confirm this?

[DJtechguy]

Blix - you're installation was successful. If you are running the same version of the firmware that browndk26 listed, you are good to go. This is the latest firmware update from Olevia, but hopefully they will provide another soon that will allow a few other flicks to run that don't currently. (even after this update)

The red tint you described is what is shown when the update is taking place. (not very inventive or informative on Olevia's part) After the update is done, the tray opens and allows you to remove the disk so that the player may restart. If you wait too long, the tray closes with the disk still in the player and the player will show what is contained on the disk.

-DJ

[Tybae]

Ok, I've tried Image Burn, mounting the ISO image, 3 different brands of CD-R, 2 different brands of DVD -R and 2 different brands of DVD +R. I keep getting either No Disc, or This is not A Firmware Disc. I have also tried the same with the alternate Memorex update files. No luck. This is effing pissing me off. Unfortunately, I don't have the luxury of saying I only spent $200 for the unit, since I don't have the money to just throw away. I'm stuck with what I have. I have also tried burning discs with Nero, Roxio and Windows on both Vista and XP machines. No luck.

Signed,

Frustrated in Frisco.

[rdodolak]

Originally Posted by Tybae

Ok, I've tried Image Burn, mounting the ISO image, 3 different brands of CD-R, 2 different brands of DVD -R and 2 different brands of DVD +R. I keep getting either No Disc, or This is not A Firmware Disc. I have also tried the same with the alternate Memorex update files. No luck. This is effing pissing me off. Unfortunately, I don't have the luxury of saying I only spent $200 for the unit, since I don't have the money to just throw away. I'm stuck with what I have. I have also tried burning discs with Nero, Roxio and Windows on both Vista and XP machines. No luck.

Signed,

Frustrated in Frisco.

Sorry to hear about all of your troubles. I know you've already tried burning a zillion discs, but do you have another drive that you could try burning with? Have you to tried burning at a lower (or lowest) speed to reduce errors? During the burning process did you set it up to verify the disc after burning and were any errors reported?

The only two other things I can think of are either errors are occuring during the burning process or you have a bad player.

Otherwise, I'd contact the manufacturer and file a complaint. I haven't seen a phone number, but if you register online you can submit a case.

[Tybae]

I've tried multiple speeds, I've tried on both a Vista system, with a Sony Lightscribe, and an XP system, with a Phillips Lightscribe. None of my discs were actually lightscribe. The brands I tried were Phillips, Sony and generic silver shiny.

I verified each and every disc to be on the safe side and no errors were reported. I did find a number for Olevia. It's 1.866.965.3842. However, I'm never home when they're open! I haven't found a way to register my product on their site because all they have listed are TV's and TV accessories (like HDMI cables, Coaxial cables, etc.). I have never seen a support page for the player itself, except for the firmware upgrade page. There isn't even a phone number/website/e-mail address in the user manual. God I wish I was with my wife when she bought this damn thing.

Edit: I found the registration area. No wonder this company is in CH 11.

[rdodolak]

Originally Posted by Tybae

I've tried multiple speeds, I've tried on both a Vista system, with a Sony Lightscribe, and an XP system, with a Phillips Lightscribe. None of my discs were actually lightscribe. The brands I tried were Phillips, Sony and generic silver shiny.

I verified each and every disc to be on the safe side and no errors were reported. I did find a number for Olevia. It's 1.866.965.3842. However, I'm never home when they're open! I haven't found a way to register my product on their site because all they have listed are TV's and TV accessories (like HDMI cables, Coaxial cables, etc.). I have never seen a support page for the player itself, except for the firmware upgrade page. There isn't even a phone number/website/e-mail address in the user manual. God I wish I was with my wife when she bought this damn thing.

Edit: I found the registration area. No wonder this company is in CH 11.

To prevent any confusion, the registration area I was referring to was at http://olevia.supportsync.com. From what I've previously read and if it's true, this player isn't put out by the Olevia company but by a third party company that licensed the Olevia brand name. This may explain why the player isn't listed on the normal Olevia web site.

Anyone have any info to corroborate this rumor?

EDIT: Here's one article that states that Fuse101 Brands America has licensed the Olevia name.

http://www.twice.com/article/CA6605001.html

and another article with some Olevia tidbits ...

http://www.hometheatermag.com/news/101608bluraypricing/

[DJtechguy]

Tybae - if you're still having trouble burning an image with your firmware upgrade, drop me a line with an email address (that you don't mind sharing) so that we can get in touch. I'll send you a working CD-R via mail with either working image (Olevia or Memorex) that you prefer.

-DJ

[rshipyor]

Hi
I just picked up a new olevia bdp-110 . can you tell me if the firmware version
is current or not? snp 8634-1.0-r1.1-20 20081022-0a. I asked because i tried to burn the upgrade and it just says no disc. I would appreciate any help.

[stylus850]

Hi guys! Well i'm new here, and my wife got me the Olevia Blu-Ray Player from Target for me, on the week it was $150.00. I finally tested it out, she got the movie Happy Feet from Blockbuster (god knows why), but it looked amazing. I bought THe Dark Knight today on Blu Ray. Only played it for 2-3 minutes....but it worked without any firmware upgrade. Wow, just looks amazing.
Only thing is, on Disc 1, I can't seem to get to the root menu of The Dark Knight, where there are some other features on the disc. Is there a menu? Or is this where I need to update the firmware? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
And let's hope they fix the issues with the Fox movies. Thanks guys. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

[browndk26]

see post #67

[krisjan]

Originally Posted by stylus850

Hi guys! Well i'm new here, and my wife got me the Olevia Blu-Ray Player from Target for me, on the week it was $150.00. I finally tested it out, she got the movie Happy Feet from Blockbuster (god knows why), but it looked amazing. I bought THe Dark Knight today on Blu Ray. Only played it for 2-3 minutes....but it worked without any firmware upgrade. Wow, just looks amazing.
Only thing is, on Disc 1, I can't seem to get to the root menu of The Dark Knight, where there are some other features on the disc. Is there a menu? Or is this where I need to update the firmware? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
And let's hope they fix the issues with the Fox movies. Thanks guys. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The Dark Knight is a Warner release which means it skips the top menu and goes directly to the feature. Once the film starts you can press the pop-up menu button to get to the disc contents.

[stylus850]

Originally Posted by krisjan

The Dark Knight is a Warner release which means it skips the top menu and goes directly to the feature. Once the film starts you can press the pop-up menu button to get to the disc contents.

Ah ok, i got it. As you can see, I am TOTALLY new to Blu-Ray.
I played The Dark Knight on Blu-Ray and DVD this morning for 20 min each to see the actual difference. Amazing. $150.00 for the Olevia was very well worth it. Just wish the loading time was better!
Thanks for ur help!

[stylus850]

One more thing....how can you make the sound better with the Olevia player?
I have an older 1080i Samsung HDTV. Picture is great, but I have to use the HDMI-DVI Cable since there is no HDMI slot in the back of the TV.
Can I hook up the coaxial cable directly from the BluRay Player to the TV? or do I need amplifier equipment?
Thanks again!