Sound Devices 744T - Manual (Page 66)

744T User Guide and Technical Information
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v. 2.67 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Firmware Upgrades
The 744T uses upgradable EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory) to hold
the unit’s operating system software, or firmware. Firmware is the source code which controls all
aspects of the device, including: menu options, signal routing, signal processing, LED’s, button and
switches, and data ports.
Version Information
During manufacturing the unit’s hardware revision number and serial number are burned into
a protected area of the EEPROM and are not changeable. These numbers can be viewed from the
INFO:VERSION selection of the setup menu. INFO:VERSION also shows the firmware version of the
recorder.
The current firmware revision number is also displayed on the bottom right-hand corner of the
Sound Devices splash screen at boot up (v2.65+). The 744T firmware version and unit serial numbers
are written to the data chunk of every WAV audio file generated by the 744T.
Upgrading Firmware
From time to time Sound Devices may issue revisions (new versions) of firmware for the 744T. Firm-
ware is user-upgradeable. To upgrade firmware follow the steps below.
1. Download the firmware file from the Sound Devices web site.
2. Transfer the firmware file (it will be named VERSION _ NUMBER.PRG) to the 744T internal hard drive via
FireWire or onto a CF card. If there are multiple firmware files on the media, the 744T will indicate the
firmware file listed to apply. To prevent confusion, ensure that there is only one firmware file available
on either 744T media.
3. Enter the firmware upgrade menu. You will be prompted to search for the firmware file. If a valid
firmware file is present on either the internal hard drive or CF the recorder will prompt if the path is
the proper file to use. Press the Rotary Switch or the tone key to say yes. The 744T will begin firmware
upgrade and validation. Progress is indicated with a bar graph.
4. When the upgrade and verify process is complete, power cycle the 744T. On power-up the LCD will
turn solid black and the green LED next to the FireWire port will blink 20 times. When the update se-
quence is complete, the 744T will reboot once again.
5. Verify the firmware version using the INFO:VERSION menu.
6. Reset the time-of-day clock, time code generator, and verify any recording parameters.
7. It is best practice to download the latest user guide from the Sound Devices web site, since the changes
to functionality are documented.