PIX Firmware Download | Sound Devices, LLC

PIX 220 and PIX 240 Video Recorder Firmware Download and Known Issues - Revision 1.05

last update December 13, 2011

Sound Devices PIX 220 and PIX 240 firmware revision 1.05 provides the following new features and changes. Note: Features and changes that apply only to the PIX 240 are indicated with the label "(PIX 240)".

Fix: DNxHD macroblock artifacts in low light conditions.
Fix: (PIX 240): Random incorrect start timecode in quicktime file.
Fix: Audio signal is no longer lost when removing the video input.
Fix: PIX will now report "No media present." when trying to format a CF or SSD that is not mounted.
Fix: Horizontal image tearing in recorded file when converting SD to HD.
Fix: General improvements to system robustness.
New: Input PsF Detect option adds the ability to force the PIX 220 or PIX 240 to interpret PsF video signals that incorrectly present as 1080i to be treated as 1080PsF.
New (PIX 240): SDI flag - Panasonic (Varicam) rec start/stop mode specifically for use with Panasonic Varicam that uses different protocol for flags than other Panasonic cameras.

Firmware Installation Instructions

Please read and follow the steps below carefully. You may want to print them before upgrading firmware.

Prepare to Update

Download the PIX firmware file PIX_1.05.zip using the link below.
From the zip archive, extract the file within named PIX_1.05.prg.
Choose one of the below methods to update the PIX recorder's firmware.

Method 1: Apply Update Using a PIX-Formatted Storage Device

Copy the PIX_1.05.prg file to the root level of an SSD in a PIX-CADDY or CF memory card. The card or SSD must be formatted as a UDF volume (The PIX recorder will format volumes as UDF).
Power the PIX from a fresh set of batteries or from external DC. Do not perform the update with low batteries or unstable power sources.
Insert the SSD or CF card with the .prg file.
Power on the PIX.
Once booted, push the MENU button to open the Setup Menu. Turn the Control Knob to highlight System, and then push the Control Knob.
Turn the Control Knob to highlight Update Software, and then push the Control Knob.
The PIX recorder will search all drives for .prg files and present the first that it finds. If the displayed file is PIX_1.05.prg, make sure Yes is highlighted and then push the Control Knob. (If the displayed .prg file is not PIX_1.05.prg, then turn the Control Knob to highlight No and cause the PIX to search for other .prg files.)
A dialog will appear asking "Are you sure?". Make sure Yes is highlighted, then push the Control Knob to initiate the update. The PIX will take a few minutes to update the firmware, indicating its progress. When it is finished it will present a dialog indicating it will shut down. Accept this dialog and the update process is complete.
Review settings after updating.

Method 2: Apply Update Using PIX Loader Software

If you haven't previously done so, Download the PIX Loader utility for Windows. Otherwise skip to step 2.

Extract the PIX_Loader_1.0_Install.exe from the downloaded .zip file.
Double-click the installer to begin the installation process. A UAC (User Account Control) dialog may appear asking your permission to allow the installer to run. Allow it.
The InstallShield wizard will guide you through selecting an install location and actually installing the Pix Loader utility. When finished, the PIX Loader utility will be located in the Windows Start Menu

Attach a fresh set of batteries or connect the PIX to external DC power. Do not perform the update with low batteries or unstable power sources.
Turn the PIX off.
Using a USB standard A to mini-B cable, attach the mini-B plug to the jack on the PIX recorder labeled FACTORY and attach the standard A plug to a working standard A jack on the computer.
Using a thin tool (a bent paperclip works well), carefully push the button recessed within a hole adjacent to the FACTORY jack on the PIX. The PWR LEd on the front of the PIX will illuminate amber.
Open the PIX Loader software.
Press the Browse button and locate the PIX_1.05.prg file. Highlight the file and press Open.
Press the Program button to begin the update. Do not remove any cables or close the PIX Loader utility until this process is complete.
When the utility is finished, unplug the USB cable from the PIX recorder and remove the power. The firmware is now updated.
Review settings after updating.

License

By using software of Sound Devices, LLC you agree to the following terms and conditions. If you do not agree with such terms and conditions; do not use or apply the software. The terms of the end user license agreement accompanying the product shall supersede the terms presented below.

The export and re-export of Sound Devices software products are controlled by the United States Export Administration Regulations and such software may not be exported or re-exported to Cuba; Iran; Iraq; Libya; North Korea; Sudan; or Syria or any country to which the United States embargoes goods. In addition; Sound Devices software may not be distributed to persons on the Table of Denial Orders; the Entity List; or the List of Specially Designated Nationals.

By downloading or using Sound Devices software product you are certifying that you are not a national of Cuba; Iran; Iraq; Libya; North Korea; Sudan; or Syria or any country to which the United States embargoes goods and that you are not a person on the Table of Denial Orders; the Entity List; or the List of Specially Designated Nationals.

Sound Devices grants you a non-exclusive license to use such software with the PIX Video Recorder hardware product only; provided you possess a valid license from Sound Devices for the hardware product. Except as set forth below; such software is licensed to you subject to the terms and conditions of the End User License Agreement from Sound Devices governing your use of the hardware product.

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES: YOU AGREE THAT SOUND DEVICES HAS MADE NO EXPRESS WARRANTIES TO YOU REGARDING THE SOFTWARE AND THAT THE SOFTWARE IS BEING PROVIDED TO YOU "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. SOUND DEVICES DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES WITH REGARD TO THE SOFTWARE; EXPRESS OR IMPLIED; INCLUDING; WITHOUT LIMITATION; ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE; MERCHANTABILITY; MERCHANTABLE QUALITY OR NONINFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS. Some states or jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion of implied warranties; so the above limitations may not apply to you.

LIMIT OF LIABILITY: IN NO EVENT WILL SOUND DEVICES BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR ANY LOSS OF USE; INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS; OR ANY DIRECT; INDIRECT; SPECIAL; INCIDENTAL; OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS) REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OF ACTION WHETHER IN CONTRACT; TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE); STRICT PRODUCT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE; EVEN IF SOUND DEVICES HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. Some states or jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages; so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.

If you agree with the above license, click to download.

posted on
December 13, 2011

(9.7 MB)

Firmware History

1.05 - Present Release

Fix: DNxHD macroblock artifacts in low light conditions.
Fix (PIX 240): Random incorrect start timecode in quicktime file.
Fix: Audio signal is no longer lost when removing the video input.
Fix: PIX will now report "No media present." when trying to format a CF or SSD that is not mounted.
Fix: Horizontal image tearing in recorded file when converting SD to HD.
Fix: General improvements to system robustness.
New: Input PsF Detect option adds the ability to force the PIX 220 or PIX 240 to interpret PsF video signals that incorrectly present as 1080i to be treated as 1080PsF.
New (PIX 240): SDI flag - Panasonic (Varicam) rec start/stop mode specifically for use with Panasonic Varicam that uses different protocol for flags than other Panasonic cameras.
Posted December 13, 2011

1.04

fix Bug in which some files could be corrupted during recording or would not play back correctly.
Posted December 2, 2011

1.03

New (PIX 240): SDI Record start/stop flag for Canon, Sony, Arri cameras
New (PIX 240): HDMI timecode can be read from Sony FS100, and other Sony NX cams
New (PIX 240): Removed timecode mode Ext TC, and added modes: Ext TC (LTC) and Ext TC (SDI, HDMI)
New: Ability to edit visibility of Setup Menu Items and alter Factory Defaults
New: Button lockout - press MENU and FILES simultaneously
Fix: Bug with converting PsF to progressive video at some resolutions
Fix: Avid import issue - fixed blank frame at end of recording
Fix: Lockup related to entering Shuttle Mode immediately upon power up
Fix: 1080i59.94 vs 1080PsF29.97 detection on input
Fix: Faster programming speed (this will be apparent on subsequent updates)
Fix: quicker playback response at HDMI and SDI (PIX 240) outputs
Fix (PIX 240): Issue where SDI monitors would occasionally lock onto wrong rate and display improper signal
Fix (PIX 240): Color swap on SDI output with 720p23.976/24 output
Fix (PIX 240): Red One - SDI flags now work upon first power up of Red
Fix (PIX 240): Timecode output now present while in Shuttle Mode
Fix (PIX 240): SDI audio output now works properly with Panasonic and Plura monitors
Fix (PIX 240): Field inversion at SDI output with 1080i59.94 input and scaler set to 1080PsF29.97
Fix (PIX 240): Jamming Timecode from SDI now works
Fix (PIX 240): Drop frame signal now detected from SDI
Posted November 16, 2011

1.02

New: added menu item "File Storage->When Drive is Full" - to configure drive switch-over behavior
New: added option "SDI Flag - Panasonic" to menu item "System->Rec Start/Stop" - for Panasonic cameras
New: added menu item "System->Test Signal Generator" and "System->Audio Tone Level" - audio tone generation to outputs
New: LCD can now be turned off entirely by holding down LCD button
New: Vari-speed Playback Mode on rotary encoder while in play (hold FF and REW button for FF and REW)
New: added menu item "System->Shortcuts" - reference for button shortcuts
New: message appears when frame rate changes, as a reminder to re-jam timecode
New: added File Resolution/Rates for progressive segmented frames (1080PsF30, 1080PsF25, and 1080PsF24)
Change: menu item "File Storage->Record to" changed to "Primary Drive"
Change: Rec Run Timecode value is now stored across power cycles
Change: MENU button now locked out during PLAY
Change: removed "48k" from OSD
Fix: field inversion when used with 1080PsF input signals (Sony F3 etc)
Fix: remaining drive space is now properly recalculated after file deletion
Fix: reads metadata on the SDI stream from the Red One camera
Fix: audio on files imported into Adobe Premiere 5.5 now has no problems
Fix: rare freeze caused by inserting and removing the CF card quickly
Fix: rare bug which caused the LCD screen to go blank
Fix: improvements to USB keyboard functionality
Fix: 1-pixel blue line when scaling up from NTSC and PAL.
Fix: power cycle of an SDI-connected camera will now reconnect video signal properly
Fix: play/pause bug in which the frame would appear garbled
Fix: various low-level bug fixes improving stability
Posted October 7, 2011

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