The first thing you will notice about version 3.0 is that the installation programme forces you to uninstall your previous version, yet the documentation says you can run both versions on the same system. It's not a big issue because my initial review of the product is really quite positive.
The first thing I checked was if they had taken care of the Carrier Frequency issue meaning 2 or 5 digits in the XML file and I am very pleased to say that they have implemented the correct solution. The implemented solution means that you can have 2 digit (pre 1.40a firmware) or 5 digit (1.40a firmware) carrier frequency and it will be implemented in the downloaded serialised HEX file as 5 digits.
The user interface is very much better and there is quite a good rewrite of the help file.
This version appears to be fully compatible with configurations made with version 2.20 and 1.30, BUT certainly NOT earlier versions. So, configurations made with version 1.00, 1.02 or 1.10 can still be used, but cannot be updated and will have to be re-created from scratch if changes are needed to be made.
Version 3.0 comes with firmware version 1.41a. The Tool will update Beo5 firmware when you download a new configuration which is made very clear in the new download window with tabs for each task namely serialisation, firmware download and configuration download. Firmware version 1.41a is valid for all hardware versions
NOTE: When the firmware is updated, the battery level indicator is reset and must be recharged.
The following are the key developments in the product:-
- New and improved graphical user interface
- Overview of all Beo5 client configurations by serial number
- Keeps track of changes made in the form of a history file held in its own new directory in an XML file
- Favourite lists for products, logo templates and button templates held in a new directory
- User defined templates for zones, logos and buttons.
- You are able to Import and export customer configuraions, zones, logo templates and button templates
- A new tab has been added for logo configuring which has provided some considerable improvements
- Able to search for logos
- Users can now add a macro which allows you to jump to other pages which is a very useful addition
- Synchronisation of emulators in Edit and View tabs
- Updated and improved help section
B&O have also fixed a few key outstanding issues:-
- When you have edited a hard key with 3rd party codes and then tried to see the output in the emulator, no output will be shown, yet once download it would work correctly
- If you have added a delay between commands in a buttons then the delay shows "error!" in IR Properties, but in fact there is nothing wrong
- If a radio station number starts with a "0" e.g. 0101 the first 0 it will not be sent with this version which solves a problem with some STB's
- If the serialisation fails with errors or you cancel it, the tool previously wrote the previously produced BIN file to the Beo5
- If you used DVD2 in a link room it would previously translate into DVD4
- When you use the "Edit Logo button" the drop down box is disabled, so the delay cannot be changed.
- If you copy a Channel button it was linked back to the original button you copied from
- There was a difference between delays in templates and logo edit when they should be the same
Generally, my first impressions are good, I have setup four configurations without any real problems and there do not appear to be any compatiblity issues that I have found yet.
Perhaps dealers and members who find issues with this new version could kindly post the problem here.
Location: Hampshire, England
