FreeAgent Theater and GoFlexTV

[nogo]

The latest firmware (10018) resolved this problem for me.

[codebutcher]

Only NTSC1.00.15.zip is available for download for the FA Theater.  The Theater+ has a different firmware and does not have the same problems. Where did you download the 1.00.18 firmware from?

[drichels]

I have to say that I thought those who said that there was a firmware fix out there that addresses this problem were full of it.  I emailed tech support last night 5/16/10.  By noon today I had direction to downloading firmware 1.00.17 for the theater, not the theater plus.  Go figure.  I am not sure why the update wouldn't be posted on the seagate website.  Email me at drichels at aol dot com and I will send it too you.  I was extremely frustrated with the whole process, but it literally took three minutes from start to finish to update the firmware.  These are the directions that were on the download page:

FreeAgent Theater firmware - US (NTSC)     

This firmware adds dock support for additional FA Go drives.

Note:
During download, some older browsers may display an incorrect filename (such as "IGOR.CGI") in the "Save As" dialog box. Please rename any incorrectly named

files to their original names, as listed, before unzipping and/or executing them. If you are downloading multiple files, you should rename each file before

downloading the next, as this will prevent overwriting of the original file.
    install.img         Download
    
Procedure - Theater firmware upgrade process:

   1. Download the Install.img file to your Windows system.

   2. After downloading, save the Install.img file to the root of a USB external drive or USB memory stick
      Note: Do not store the .img file in any folders on the USB drive as the Theater doesn’t search for firmware update files hidden in folders.

   3. Remove any FreeAgent Go drives that are docked in the Theater, and insert the USB drive into the front USB port of the Theater.

   4. Power on your television and the FreeAgent Theater. After the Theater main menu displays on your television screen, disconnect the power on the back of

the Theater.

   5. While holding down the select button on the theater, plug the power cable back in to the theater and wait.

   6. When you see the message on your television screen instructing you to "Insert the USB device to start the upgrade", insert USB drive and then release

the select button.

   7. Once the firmware update starts a progress bar and message stating "DO NOT turn off the power" will display on your television screen.

   8. When the update is complete the television screen will display an update complete message, and your FreeAgent Theater will power itself down.

   9. Remove the USB drive, power the Theater back on, and reset the language, and resolution, features. To view the new firmware version go to setup and

then select system. The version should read 1.00.17 on the right side of the screen.

[bodhi78]

---

drichels wrote:

I have to say that I thought those who said that there was a firmware fix out there that addresses this problem were full of it.  I emailed tech support last night 5/16/10.  By noon today I had direction to downloading firmware 1.00.17 for the theater, not the theater plus.  Go figure.  I am not sure why the update wouldn't be posted on the seagate website.

---

I think you've misunderstood them. Nobody has said there is FW posted. They all had to go through tech support individually to receive the FW to correct it. Seagate has decided to stop support for the FAT, that's why Seagate did not post the FW. Yes, go figure! while there is a major bug with the FAT, and the company has already developed the fix, and they did not post it. I know I'm being like a broken record about this :-) but I guess as long as others reported this, I will keep complaining until Seagate is shamed into posting the FW... LOL.

Note that the 250GB GO drive has no problem. Only when you go with higher capacity then it fails to recognize the drive.

[rawfish]

BTW the FreeAgent Go port is a "special" usb port. Seagate only wants the port to be used with a Go drive.

I got a mini USB to USB adapter, thinking I can this as a second USB port. I couldn't get either a flash or non Go external drive to be recognized. So the firmware actually checks to make sure the device is a Go drive. I suspect this is the reason why an updated firmware will fix the Go drive issue; they've added support for more Go drives. Since they no longer support the FAT, I see a problem if Seagate releases new Go drives that are not recognized by the firmware.

[lionwes]

Thank you all for this informative thread, I wish I came across it sooner... it would save me hours.

Actually I have taken my FAT apart and rewired the USB ports thinking the Go port was dead. Have also dumped the ejection apparatus as it was way too strong and caused intermittent power to the FreeAgent 640 drive I have got with it. At times it would spit the drive out on its own, the ejection springs were way to powerful.

This of course fixed the docking station port, but I was still limited to one USB port only. Who would have thought that corporate pencil pushers would limit it in software. Thanks to [drichels] and his kindness I found the true solution in 1.00.17 firmware.

All works now, shame on Seagate for leaving its customers in the cold, they will for sure share the fate of Quantum and Maxtor if they continue on this path...

In spite my outrage about this firmware issue, I love this little FreeAgent Theater. It is the best media player I own (I got few others but none as good as this one...) It is just to my liking.

One more time thank you all...

[andz]

HI Guys i am new to the post.

I have just upgraded the firmware on my FA theatre to 1.00.15 thinking it would do something new.

It has merely made the dock station in the theatre non operational.

please can someone give me the link for the 1.00.17 firmware update.

I would love to have the theatre work again like before

I have had no response from technical support.

many thanx

[prairiedog]

If you look a few posts up one user said they have .17:

[Edited: Removed personal information per the community rules and regulations.]

[andz]

Thanx

I contacted the above and received v 1.00.17 from him, this sorted out the issue.

I have since installed 1.00.18 that i received this afternoon, also working beautifully.

let me know if anyone needs it.

[andz]

Just for info

I have both 500gb and 640gb freeagent go drives. all working fine on new firmware.

plays vob files no problem as well as xvid and divx