onkyo tx-nr609 firmware problem

[Crash]

Just thought I would share my problem. In the hopes that it may help someone else.

I recently updated my Onkyo tx-nr609 firmware to the latest version released 3/28/12. well after updating everything worked fine except the THX sound fields. the receiver would click and the speakers would pop and stutter only on the thx modes. the sound became very distorted (only on thx) at all volumes and at higher volume the receiver would recognize the distortion and turn off. Needless to say I contacted Onkyo and now my receiver is being sent out to Best Buy service center. Onkyo's first response was...it must be your speakers causing the distortion and auto protect mode. the second response from a different phone rep. was one of your circuits must have went bad and its not compatible with the new firmware.

Well long story short I just wanted to share my experience and possibly help someone else before they update to the new firmware and are down for 2-4 weeks for service. I should know what the true problem is in a couple of weeks. Its just so darn coincidental that the THX modes failed after the firmware update and everything was A-Okay previously.

[TLS Guy]

Just thought I would share my problem. In the hopes that it may help someone else.

I recently updated my Onkyo tx-nr609 firmware to the latest version released 3/28/12. well after updating everything worked fine except the THX sound fields. the receiver would click and the speakers would pop and stutter only on the thx modes. the sound became very distorted (only on thx) at all volumes and at higher volume the receiver would recognize the distortion and turn off. Needless to say I contacted Onkyo and now my receiver is being sent out to Best Buy service center. Onkyo's first response was...it must be your speakers causing the distortion and auto protect mode. the second response from a different phone rep. was one of your circuits must have went bad and its not compatible with the new firmware.

Well long story short I just wanted to share my experience and possibly help someone else before they update to the new firmware and are down for 2-4 weeks for service. I should know what the true problem is in a couple of weeks. Its just so darn coincidental that the THX modes failed after the firmware update and everything was A-Okay previously.

That has to be software. I just don't see how the problem would jsut affect one mode of it was hardware. Sounds like BS from Onkyo to me.

Did you try reloading the software by the way, and or returning the receiver to default and see if that cured it?

I have a feeling the latter very likely would have solved the problem.

[Crash]

No, I wasn't able to reload the firmware. As the system recognized that I had the newest installed and the customer service said there was no way for me to reload a previous version. I didn't know how to restore defaults as this wasn't explained to me. And now looking back through the manual, I must have totally missed it but I see it plain as day now though.

[Crash]

Quick update. I was able to try the factory restore (vcr/dvr and stand-by button) before the unit was shipped from the local store to the service center. This did not resolve the issue. Thanks for the suggestion. I will update when I here back from the service center.

[Rubicon_Joey]

Makes me glad I didn't dl the update. Wonder if this is an isolated incident or if others are having this problem...

[fuzz092888]

That sucks. I just downloaded a firmware update for my 3009 and all is well (I think). Now you've got me all worried I'll have to do a more thorough test of my receiver now to make sure everything is functioning properly.

Best of luck with your repair.

[CDogg]

I wouldn't fret guys. I am sure this will eventually be solved. It does seem to be a software issue, and if so, this cannot be an isolated incident. The question is does this effect only this model, or the other models that has the THX feature. If this update serves the other receivers with THX, then Onkyo will either have to make a fix now, or they may decide to wait until the next update. As popular as the THX is with movies, it would make sense for Onkyo to make a fix available as soon as possible.

In the meantime, what you could do is join the Onkyo forum and see if this issue has been brought up on their forum. If you do not find any articles pertaining to this issue, then I would start a thread and see what the Techs can find.

I have provided you the link to the forum. Please keep us informed. I'm sure you will not be the only one with this issue.

Admin & Mods... If Audioholics has a fora regarding issues with certain brands, i.e Onkyo, Denon, Pioneer, etc., you may want to consider adding this thread for future reference

[ahblaza]

Quick update. I was able to try the factory restore (vcr/dvr and stand-by button) before the unit was shipped from the local store to the service center. This did not resolve the issue. Thanks for the suggestion. I will update when I here back from the service center.

Crash, when did you purchase the 609? Are you aware of the SN recalls? If you purchased your 609 between October-December 2011 and January 2012 you need to check your serial number here.
Press Releases | About Onkyo | Onkyo USA Home Theater Products I may be way out of bounds here, but this sounds like a hardware problem. Hope this helps.
Jeff

[Crash]

Thanks for the info. I purchased the unit mid Sept 2011. Just checked the serial # and it's not part of the recall. Hopefully I will hear something from the service center soon.

[Crash]

Well I received the receiver back from the Best Buy service center today. The technician notes stated that the unit was tested with THX dvd, and no problems were found. have customer check speakers. I am so frustrated right now. Of course there would be no faults found if they did not switch to one of the thx sound modes...I guess its time to ship it to an Onkyo service center.