Ok, after a couple of emails with B&O Tech Support, I have the following updates:The 5.1 is the latest chip set of the TV. The CCDB (code convertor data base) is what controls third party devices. This version can be found by entering the service menu, and checking under the US Box. The last version of the CCDB was 4.7n, and the Cisco code that I need for my FiOS box came in with 4.7m. I was going by the Monitor Information, which stated my AP SW is 2.0 and the FEP SW is 2.1. My US Box CCDB is 2.1. So tech support said the only chip set that was not software updateable was the original 1.3 in the Avant TV. All the chips sets in the Beosystem 1 and Beovision 5 were updateable. He also said I would not really gain anything by changing out the chip set to 5.1 or in my case, 4.9. The Beozap function will work as well on 2.0 chips as 5.1. So the chips are hardware, Beozap is software. CCDB 2.1 does not have very many products to control at all, but 4.7n will give me dozens and dozens more. So I need a tech/installer/salesman with the Beozap program on his laptop and the update cable, and I should be good to go in about 15 minutes of download time.
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Avant US Firmware Update
20 replies
I'm pretty certain that the capability of using a Zektor component switch box and the feature of the video slave mode require a chip upgrade. That's what my technician told me.
The feature of having the Avant in video slave mode is only relevant if you already have another B&O tv in your master link. You can't have two video masters in a master link network. One of the TVs would have to be assigned as a slave if the other TV is a master. If the Avant is the only B&O tv you have, the Avant can be in video master mode and play music from your audio master.
Thanks, I've already bought the chipset, so I may wind up installing them anyway. It would be nice to know what all the new features are, but it could be fun trying it discover them on my own. I'm probably just going to stick with the composite inputs and not worry about the component switcher. I don't have another video master, so I guess I'll be just fine. I'll just need to schedule a visit to update the CCDB.
I'm scheduled to have my BV Avant updated tomorrow. Really cheap if I take it to them, but damn it's heavy. He's going to try to update it in the back of my van!
Now for the really late stupid question. Should I have already installed the 4.9 firmware chips before I have him update the BV with Beozap?
I don't know, but he changed the chips before he even started the update. It cost a little bit more to do that, but now it's done.
... And I can control my STB, DVD player, and Apple TV! Now to work out all the remote operations for my Beo4 and Beolink 1000. I also have to order an HDMI to composite converter to handle the Apple TV connection. Just awesome.
Thanks for your help, Jeff. I was able to take the Avant to the shop -Atlantic Systems - and the tech was able to update it right in my van. He replaced the chips (the ones I previously ordered from them) and updated the firmware. I was surprised how clean the tv was inside. Total cost was about $160 plus my gas for a 150 mile round trip. Still not bad at all.You will definitely need a qualified B&O service technician to come to your home to do the upgrade. I live in Indianapolis and a technician came from Cincinnati to do the job. I believe he charged about $500 to $600. He opened the Avant and replaced the chips and updated the PUC to the latest version to control the latest blu-ray players, Apple TV, etc. The update will give you the option in your setup menu to control a component switcher. The box that is controlled is made by Zektor. HOWEVER, you can find some very good switchers that can learn the Zektor IR command and that cost much less. You control the switch box by using a mini RCA splitter connected to the V.AUX control socket on the Avant and using an IR blaster. The switcher can switch the component input to correspond with TV, DVD, SAT, and V.AUX. However, I can't remember which order those are in. The $500 to $600 did not include fixing the faulty component input. The technician recommended replacing the entire chassis -- which sounded quite costly, so I passed on that repair. However, the technician DID vacuum out the Avant while it was open. I was amazed at how much dust and lent can gather in the Avant! That thing could have been a real fire hazard.
The component input on my US Avant 32 is having the exact same issue with a dark screen and the dark flashes on the screen too.
Did you have any success in finding a solution to eliminate this problem?
This is apparently a problem that other Avant 32 owners have had with their component inputs, so I'm hoping there's a fix that I can perform without having to pay big bucks to fix a 20+ year old TV set.
No, Tony it was a terminal case for my Avant. I was so sorry to see it go, but I didn’t want to put any more money into it either.
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