How to check firmware on Onkyo TX-SR805

[JZsFinest]

Hello,

I was just wondering how you can check what version of firmware your Onkyo Receiver has currently? Is there a menu, or series of buttons I have to push?

Thanks.

[cnh]

I'm sure there is a way...you might want to PM kuntasensei....he seems to know quite a bit about this kind of thing? Or maybe he'll respond to this post!

cnh

[DeusExa]

Turn on the 805, push & hold "Display", then press "Standby".

FW Update?

[billbillw]

I was one of the persons over at AVS forum who unlocked the method of updating the main firmware on the SR805 by Serial method.

To be clear, there are several firmwares that are of interest.
The DSP Firmware versions
The Main Firmware versions
The 'Loader' Versions

The Main Firmware and the DSP versions (1,2,3) are accessed by the following method:
1) Turn on Receiver
2) HOLD down the "Display" button and press "Standby" button once.
3) Release the "Display" button.
4) Press the + or – keys (below the Tone buttons) to cycle forward and backward through all the firmware display pages. You must do this quickly. If there is more than a few second delay, the unit exits the firmware display mode.

The Main firmware is listed first. The newest and best for the SR805 is 1.08. If you have 1.08, no need to check further (except to verify the DSP versions below)

If the unit has 1.06, it can probably be updated to 1.08 without too much trouble using a PC/Lapton with serial interface (or a USB>Serial adapter), but you have to make sure you have the Updater version 1.01.

Check loader version by unpluging unit. Press and hold Enter, then plug in. The unit should enter Update mode and the version is listed. If it is not 1.01, then you can't update using the Serial connection.

If the unit has main firmware version 1.05 or lower, it probably has the updater version 1.0 and is not compatible with the serial update method. If this is the case, you will need to use a 'dongle' to update. I do not know much about this method since mine was able to update by serial method. There are lengthy discussions over at AVS forum on how to update with a dongle (which must be build or borrowed)

Check the DSP versions by using the +/- keys and verify that you have the following:
DSPS 8051:08214A
DSPS 8052:07518A
DSPS 8053:07820B

If you have lower versions, you need to perform the DSP update to fix something called the DTS Bomb. Search over at AVSforum for methods and files for updating the DSP firmwares.

Unfortunately, most of the activity at AVSforum for the SR805 has died down, so some of the file download links seem to be outdated. If you find you need something, you might send a PM message to Gurkey or Joerod and see if they can re-upload or send you the files. I looked and can't seem to find them on my PC anymore.

Here are a couple of the 'main' threads you should look at:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1016297
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=857502

Both are dauntingly long threads, but if you use search features, you can narrow things down. If you find you need to update, just take the time to read everything before starting.

[cnh]

And what exactly do these upgrades do? What are we trying to upgrade on the 805? The DSP...why should that even be a problem?

Just curious. I have one. I don't know what firmware version it has. But have NEVER had any problem whatsoever with it!

One follow up question. What DATE was the newest upgrade firmware issued by Onkyo.

Will look at threads...they are probably 'dated'.

Now that I remember it, there was an upgrade for the 605 on the Onkyo site quite a while back but Onkyo also provided a way of checking--through your serial number whether or not your unit 'needed' any upgrade? I'm sure they must've provided similar access for other models by serial number....this is a record they have so that they would 'know' by that number if you need an upgrade or not.

cnh

[billbillw]

cnh,
The DSP update fixed a problem called the DTS-MA BOMB. With certain movies, there would be a very loud pop that came from the speakers due to an issue with the DSP. The DSP update fixed it.

The main firmware updates fixed various operational issues and specifically, 1.08 drastically reduced the signal lock time and eliminated lip sync problems that many people had.

What some people see as a problem, other people never notice. I couldn't stand the lock on delay when changing chapters in a movie or when skipping forward/back with my DVR. It took about 1-2 seconds for the audio to lock on. With 1.08 main firmware, the lock on was nearly instantaneous.

The DSP problem was only manifested in certain situations with certain movies. The fix was like preventative maintenance.

[JZsFinest]

What +, - buttons? I am trying the Level +, Level - and those aren't working.

[kuntasensei]

Yeah, little late seeing this thread, but glad the OP already got a response. I updated my 705 thanks to that AVS thread. Well, then I sold it to a friend and got the TX-NR1007, which does firmware updates over the internet (which is SWEET!).

[billbillw]

What +, - buttons? I am trying the Level +, Level - and those aren't working.

Yeah, its confusing the way it was written (I just copied/pasted). Its actually the < and > buttons that are below the level/tone buttons. We are talking front panel, not on the remote. You have to use the buttons quickly or it jumps out of the firmware version screen. Just keep going back/forth to keep it up on the display.

[srinath_seshadr]

Hi guys,
I am new here and just picked up the tx sr 805. I have a 1.04 firm ware with a 1.01 hdmi updater I believe.
This amp makes no sound in anything but pure direct mode.
Can that be the DTS bomb or something that the 1.08 firmware update will fix ?
I can take it to a service center cos its outside, and not installed and hard to remove. Would that be of any added benifit. Somehting like in the last year they have a 1.09.
Thanks in advance.
Srinath.