Version 2.50 is a piece of Dog Dodo!

[Dalmane98]

Version 2.50 is a piece of Dog Dodo!

Loaded it twice and nothing worked right:

•The drive letters were changed for the internal and external memory in Explorer.
•The labeling of the drives was changed too.
•External SDHC did not show up on the player using folder view.
•Folders were listed in random order in ID3 Tag mode, instead of alphabetical order.

I tried loading the firmware with the SDHC installed and removed. Same thing!

I tried re-formatting the SDHC and reloading everything, same story.

Re-loaded version 2.46 and everything worked the way it was supposed to.

Cowon needs to fix all the bugs associated with the player functions when it was first released.

Then they can work on all the other crap, which I could care less about; ie flash and a stupid notepad. If they want to make something that uses that shit, then they should make a PDA.

I brought the D2 to play music, audio books and watch a video once in a while. NOT to play games or take notes.

I can buy a PDA or an OQO (http://www.oqo.com/) to play games on and take notes and they both will play music too.

I almost wish I still had my Sansa e280. At least I could create play lists I could use in the MSC mode and not have to use WM11 .

Cowon needs to provide a 1-800 telephone number to get help from their support. This email crap is for the birds.

[GSV3MiaC]

You did manually put it back in UMS mode after installing the new firmware, yes?

[Dalmane98]

Yes, I put it back in to the MSC mode.

I spent 6 hours reloading the firmware.

I read all the problem/solutions in the following thread prior to trying the new FW:

http://iaudiophile.net/forums/showthread.php?t=15695

I stopped loading their beta FW, because there are enough folks out here to test the beta.

Loading firmware is supposed to be straight forward and not require all kinds of weird steps to get things to work, that may or may not work for your problem.

This FW is real buggy.

FW v2.46 half-way works the way it supposed to.

I even tried loading FW 2.50 using the recovery files and that did not work either.

My music is a mix of MP3 and WMA. Maybe that is part of my problem, but I doubt it. If your music works with one FW then it should work with the next.

Cowon needs to fix the functions that were advertised when I brought the player and forget the crap they have been adding.

In fact if they would just fix the playlist problem I would be happy with that version and not upgrade any more unless they changed something related to music or video.

A firmware update is supposed to take minutes, not hours...

[naylor83]

Well, I haven't had any problems so far. Having the shuffle work properly is a great plus IMHO.

[wader]

Did you load the firmware with your SDHC card in the D2? I'd recommend keeping it disconnected during an install.

I'd also recommend you provide us with a step-by-step of what you do and see from the D2 during install, because what you've described cannot be reproduced on my first, and only, install of v2.50. In the threads you mentioned reading, I offered a step-by-step in case anyone with issues from their install saw different results along the process.

- wader

[ManchesterBaby]

Agreed, it sucks. Tag browse mode sometimes fails completely (with all tags disappearing) and sometimes works fine, no obvious reason why. The ordering of folders in folder view is not alphabetical anymore (but only on the SD card, the internal memory is fine) meaning that it's nigh on impossible to find anything. Moreover the final version of x.50 doesn't give anything new or better than the beta, apart from flac 1.14 support. The beta (x.50b) is much better. Think i'll go back to that.

[fantabottle]

I have the same problems.
This FW is real buggy, every beta FW is better.

I go back to version 2.46 and everything works fine!

FW 2.50 is rubbish

[Dalmane98]

Originally Posted by wader

Did you load the firmware with your SDHC card in the D2? I'd recommend keeping it disconnected during an install.

I'd also recommend you provide us with a step-by-step of what you do and see from the D2 during install, because what you've described cannot be reproduced on my first, and only, install of v2.50. In the threads you mentioned reading, I offered a step-by-step in case anyone with issues from their install saw different results along the process.

- wader

Wader, I installed the FW per Cowon's instructions and observed the same things you saw and posted in your step-by-step observations on page 3 of the following thread:

http://iaudiophile.net/forums/showth...t=15695&page=3

I also tried loading the FW with and without the SDHC installed. Also tried formating it and reloading everything again...^ hours total...

Maybe you should try reloading FW 2.46 and try upgrading to FW 2.50 again. maybe it will not go so smooth the second time.

FW 2.50 sucks. No one should have to fight to get a final release of a software build to work.

This is the only FW release that I have had major problems with.

Maybe I will try 2.50b and see if I have the same problems.

One thing is for sure; FW 2.46 works and FW 2.50 is broke.

IMHO, Cowon released a piece of Sh*t. Cowon's tech support also sucks. I wish I could have all my users just email when they have problems. Nothing works better than being able to pick-up the phone and call someone when you have problems. Something always seems to get lost in email messages when dealing with software/hardware problems.

Just for information, I provide tier level 3 & 4 software/hardware support for a large corporation field office with a couple of satellite offices and numerous users in the field.

[GSV3MiaC]

Did you try downloading it again? It is as rare as hens teeth but I HAVE seen corrupted downloads which managed to pass the parity/CRC checks (although I would expect the installer to barf and die, since I'd hope there is some further parity checks inside the unpacked firmware. OK, I'm dreaming).

[Dalmane98]

Yes, I downloaded it more than once.

This FW version is almost as bad as 2.45b.

Reading some threads it might even have bricked a couple of D2's, as there are some reports of that too.

Everyone needs to write Cowon tech support and demand telephone support, if they can get registered that is.

Sure is funny that so many people have problems contacting Cowon.

I am sticking with version 2.46, which works for me.

I may try 2.50b and see if that works, but it will not be until sometime this coming weekend.

[wader]

Originally Posted by Dalmane98

. . . Maybe you should try reloading FW 2.46 and try upgrading to FW 2.50 again. maybe it will not go so smooth the second time. . .

Maybe. Though, I don't think "magic" happens with software and hardware to make it all work and then not under the same conditions. Bugs are bugs, and they usually can be recreated once you know the scenario - even if it's a subtle one. At least, in my experience.

Let's see . . .

STEP-BY-STEP D2 FIRMWARE UPGRADES: to v2.46, then to v2.50

All copying to/from the D2 is done via jetShell in MSC mode.

Obtain v2.46 firmware and use full installation instructions from the COWON global site for the v2.46 upgrade.

(v2.46) a. Directory "0" .bin file copied to root of D2, disconnect from USB (turns OFF automatically), restart D2 manually, "2.50" shows as version, it quickly switches to "Firmware Upgrade" animation then shuts down automatically.

Connect D2 to USB, "0.00" shows for version on blue background as the dots move around a full circle, ends with a white progress bar (no progress indication) on a white background.

(v2.46) b. Directory "1" .bin file copied to root of D2, disconnect from USB (turns OFF automatically), restart D2 manually, "0.00" shows as version, it quickly switches to progress bar animation then shuts down automatically.

Connect D2 to USB, "2.46" shows for version on blue background as the dots move around a full circle, ends with a white progress bar (no progress indication) on a white background.

(v2.46) c. Directory "2" .bin files copied to root of D2, disconnect from USB (turns OFF automatically), restart D2 manually, "2.46" shows as version, it quickly switches to progress bar animation (longer than prior steps) then shuts down automatically.

Restart D2 and see the vanilla configuration with "2.46". Check out most major functions, make light configuration changes, ensure it's still in MSC mode. Do a "Clear Memory" for completeness, while in System configuration. Shut down D2 manually.

(v2.46) d. Connect to USB, "Battery Charging" screen displays. It is Drive H: on my PC.

Copy MUSIC, PICTURE and VIDEO backup to respective D2 directories, disconnect from USB, D2 shuts down automatically.

(v2.46) e. Restart D2. All ID3 tags sorting correctly in Artist, Album, etc. views. Alphanumeric ordering correct in Track and Folder views. Video view likewise sorted correctly by filename. Shut down D2 manually.

Insert Toshiba 4GB Class 4 SDHC card, preloaded with the same directory structure as on standard D2 for v2.50 (i.e., includes a FLASH directory) but without RECORD and SYSTEM. Includes a previously loaded album in the MUSIC directory.

(v2.46) f. Restart D2. New "D2 EXT" directory tree in MUSIC -> Folder view, sorts all SDHC files correctly. All ID3 tags sorting correctly in Artist, Album, etc. views with seamless listings from D2 and SDHC memory. Alphanumeric ordering correct in Track and Folder views. Video view likewise sorted correctly by filename. Shut down D2 manually.

(v2.46) g. Connect to USB, "Battery Charging" screen displays. It's Drive H: on my PC, the SDHC card is drive I: .

All is good on v2.46 firmware for my configuration.


To prepare for the v2.50 upgrade, disconnect the D2 from USB, D2 shuts down automatically, remove the SDHC card.

Restart the D2 and ensure all on-device content looks correct, minus the SDHC card files. Manually shut down D2, then connect to USB. It's still Drive H: on my PC.

Obtain v2.50 firmware and use full installation instructions from the COWON global site.

(v2.50) a. Directory "0" .bin file copied to root of D2, disconnect from USB (turns OFF automatically), restart D2 manually, "2.46" shows as version, it quickly switches to "Firmware Upgrade" animation then shuts down automatically.

Connect to USB, "0.00" shows for version on blue background as the dots move around a full circle, ends with a white progress bar (no progress indication) on a white background.

It is still Drive H: on my PC.

(v2.50) b. Directory "1" .bin file copied to root of D2, disconnect from USB (turns OFF automatically), restart D2 manually, "0.00" shows as version, it quickly switches to progress bar animation then shuts down automatically.

Connect to USB, "2.50" shows for version on blue background as the dots move around a full circle, ends with a white progress bar (no progress indication) on a white background.

It is now Drive I: on my PC and what was a placeholder Drive I: for my SDHC card (through the D2) now appears to be Drive H: . . . they swapped drive letters on the PC. This is not a problem for me.

(v2.50) c. Directory "2" .bin files copied to root of D2, disconnect from USB (turns OFF automatically), restart D2 manually, "2.50" shows as version, it quickly switches to progress bar animation (longer than prior steps) then shuts down automatically.

Restart D2 and see the vanilla configuration with "2.50". Check out most major functions, make light configuration changes, switch from default MTP to MSC mode. Do a "Clear Memory" for completeness, while in System configuration. Shut down D2 manually.

(v2.50) d. Connect to USB, "Battery Charging" screen displays. D2 remains as Drive I: on my PC, with the disconnected SDHC card as a placeholder Drive H: in Windows Explorer.

Again, this drive order under v2.50 looks swapped from v2.46.

Copy MUSIC, PICTURE and VIDEO backup to respective D2 directories, disconnect from USB, D2 shuts down automatically.

(v2.50) e. Restart D2. All ID3 tags sorting correctly in Artist, Album, etc. views. Alphanumeric ordering correct in Track and Folder views. Video view likewise sorted correctly by filename. Shut down D2 manually.

Insert Toshiba 4GB Class 4 SDHC card, preloaded with the same directory structure as on standard D2 for v2.50 (i.e., includes a FLASH directory) but without RECORD and SYSTEM. Includes a previously loaded album in the MUSIC directory.

(v2.50) f. Restart D2. New "D2 EXT" directory tree in MUSIC -> Folder view, sorts all SDHC files correctly. All ID3 tags sorting correctly in Artist, Album, etc. views with seamless listings from D2 and SDHC memory. Alphanumeric ordering correct in Track and Folder views. Video view likewise sorted correctly by filename. Shut down D2 manually.

*NOTE: exact same UI behavior as under v2.46 firmware*

(v2.50) g. Connect to USB, "Battery Charging" screen displays. As expected, it's Drive I: on my PC with the SDHC card as drive H: . . . i.e., they are swapped relative to the v2.46 drive letter order. I do not consider this a problem.

All is good on v2.50 firmware for my configuration.



My PC is self-made from select parts, with an Intel motherboard that supports USB 2.0 (which I use with the D2 and shipped USB cable).

I use Windows XP Professional with latest from Windows Update.

All of my music files in this test are MP3 at 320kbps, the video files are XVid video with 128kbps MP3 audio.

I used jetAudio VX to copy my music files over originally (i.e., before the backup from v2.50 D2 that preceded this test), allowing it to automatically create Artist/Album subdirectories for every file based on ID3 tags. All ID3 tags in my music files were previously updated with the latest jetAudio VX, including Track # and album cover art (resized to 100x100).



I hope that this is adequate detail for comparing/constrasting with your installation and configuration. I appreciate your mention of credentials to deflect any questions of your testing or technical acumen. Likewise, please understand that I have past years of experience in managing development and 24x7, Level 3 Support (which was our final layer) for a global, network service - I do try to provide enough information in these discussions without going bonkers with detail. Perhaps I've gone over that line here, admittedly.

I don't want any assumptions when we talk about what's the same and what's different - unless there's a hardware problem or bad software download involved, the differences may be due to either firmware upgrade procedure or individual configuration/content.

I'd like to understand what doesn't work in your configuration if similar success to mine is obtained in at least your basic firmware upgrade.

- wader

[Dalmane98]

Wader, Thanks for the detailed observation. Will try upgrading again after work and post the differences.

The major difference right off the bat is I used Explorer and not JetShell to transfer files, have a Transcend 8GB SDHC and my music is a mix of wma and mp3, all at 128K.

Audio books are loaded on the D2 internal memory and all music and Enya video's are on the SDHC.

My machines are Compaq DC5000, w/ XP Pro SP2, 3GHz, 1GB ram...All were brought new and are setup as business machines with all patches applied and no pirated stuff.

One other thing...I bricked my player trying to help someone and used the recovery files to un-brick it...Maybe Cowon changed the memory addressing scheme for the hidden partition????

[wader]

Originally Posted by Dalmane98

The major difference right off the bat is I used Explorer and not JetShell to transfer files, have a Transcend 8GB SDHC and my music is a mix of wma and mp3, all at 128K.

Windows Explorer should be OK, but I decided to use the COWON standard s/w for these tests. Since I'm a purist on such things, if convenient, you might see if jetShell is available for your testing.

BTW, I waited a good few seconds between D2 shutdowns (either manual or automatic) and bootups to ensure it was *really* shut down or fully booted up, before connecting or disconnecting the USB.

How have ID3 tags been placed into your files and which level(s) of tags are being used? It seems that some sorting issues have turned out to be tag-related, but are fortunately easy (and often, quick) to correct when so. The D2 doesn't seem to reflect Track # tag values when using ID3v2.2 tags, for example.

Originally Posted by Dalmane98

One other thing...I bricked my player trying to help someone and used the recovery files to un-brick it...Maybe Cowon changed the memory addressing scheme for the hidden partition????

I saw one mention of an owner bricking+recovering his D2 after experimenting with loading some custom changes to firmware, but was then able to load a recent firmware after using the recovery files. So, unless the recovery process had a problem, my quick guess is that the system should work fine for v2.50.

- wader

[Dalmane98]

Wader,

Reloaded FW 2.46...Same observations you posted when installing.

Upgraded to FW 2.50b...Same screens as observed upgrading to FW 2.46. FW 2.50b worked. Drive letter assignment was the same as FW 2.46.

Upgraded to FW 2.50...Same observations as you posted up to step (v2.50) f. The SDHC does not show up as "D2 EXT" in the folder view.

Tried formatting the D2 internal memory and reloaded FW 2.50...The SDHC does not show up in folder view as "D2 EXT".

FW 2.50 does not work.

For some reason 2.50 does not recognize my SDHC.

Also, With FW 2.50 installed and the SDHC inserted the startup circle only goes around twice...With the other FW versions (2.46 & 2.50b) the circle go around at least 6 times when the SDHC is inserted for the first time. Difference in time building the database.

[wader]

So, it sounds like we're now down to a card compatibility issue under v2.50, perhaps.

Which card are you using, please? Maybe we can correlate with experiences in the SD Card subforum.

- wader