Sony Support

Firmware update Ver.4.00 for FDR-AX1E

Transfer clips to USB or PlayMemories Home and display data codes when playing AVCHD clips

    Applicable Models
    About this download
    System Requirements
    Download
    Install

    Applicable Models

    This information is for the following models:
    • FDR-AX1E

    About this download

    • Name:Firmware update Ver.4.00 for FDR-AX1E
    • Release date:14/10/2015
    • Benefits and improvements
      • Transfer clips to USB external storage media
      • Transfer clips to PlayMemories Home
      • Display data codes when AVCHD format clips are played back
        • Notes:
        - This camcorder cannot transfer the recorded data on the MS/SD card by connecting the camcorder directly to PC or Mac with an USB cable. Instead, please use an external memory card reader writer (optional accessory)
        - Vegas Pro 12 Edit (free software) can be used to edit recorded AVCHD clips

        View the Operating Guide to learn more about the new functions.

    • Identify whether your camera needs an update

      Please check the version of the system software, following the procedure listed below. If the system software version is already [Ver.4.00], you will not need the update.

      1. Switch ON the POWER of the camera.


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      2. Go into the menu by pressing the "MENU" button.


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      3. Go into "Version" in the "System" menu.


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      4. System software version will be displayed.
        If the version is V4.00, the update is not needed.


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      5. Press "MENU" button to exist the menu, after checking the version of the system software.

    System Requirements

    Computer hardware

    The latest version of the firmware update is compatible with the following hardware:
    • Hard disk space: 200MB or more
    • RAM: 512MB or more
      Note: Please close all other application software before updating the firmware.
    • Power source for the camera
      • AC Adaptor (AC-NB12A) supplied with the camera.
    • SD or SDHC Memory Card slot/interface
    • SDHC (Speed Class: 4 to 10, capacity 2 to 32Gb, UHS card cannot be used) or SD (FAT16, capacity up to 2Gb) card formatted by the camera.

    Download

    Important notes:

    • When performing the firmware update, please use the supplied AC Adaptor AC-NB12A
    • Do not remove the AC Adaptor during the update; otherwise, the camera may become inoperable due to the sudden power shutdown.

    1. Download the firmware updater:

    1. At the bottom of the page, read the disclaimer and agree to the terms and conditions by clicking on the checkbox. Then, click on the Download button.
    2. The download of the [FDRAX1V400_firmware.zip] file will start.
    3. Save the file to the desktop of your computer (recommended).

      For Windows 8 users:

      Under the initial settings of Internet Explorer, the update file will be saved in the [Downloads] folder. Click the [Desktop] tile from the Start screen and find the download file in the [Downloads] folder by using Explorer.

    2. Unzip the downloaded file

    Once the file has downloaded successfully, you're ready to unzip the Firmware update system file Ver.4.00 for FDR-AX1E.

    1. Close all currently running programs on your computer.
    2. Unzip the downloaded file and extract the ".bin" file.

      3. Notes:
      • Depending on the computer's OS, the downloaded file might already be unzipped.
      • Depending on your computer settings, the extension ".bin" might not be visible.
      • This ".bin" file is a system software for the camera, it is not needed to double click on it or to open the file.

    Once the file has been extracted successfully, you're ready to transfer the file to the SD/SDHC Memory Card.

    3. Format the SD/SDHC Memory Card:

    • Insert the SD/SDHC Memory Card into the "UTILITY SD" slot of the camera and turn the power ON.


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    • Go into "MENU" using the MENU button and select "SD Card" in the "FORMAT MEDIA" menu. Press "Execute" and format the Memory Card.


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    • After the format is completed, press "MENU" to close the menu.

    4. Copy the update file to the SD/SDHC Memory Card:

    • Remove the SD/SDHC Memory Card from the camera after formatting and insert it in your computer's slot/interface.
    • Copy the update system software file ".bin" to the root folder of the SD/SDHC Memory Card.

    Install

    1. Execute the Firmware Update

    Notes:
    • Update might not start if the SD/SDHC Memory Card is not correctly formatted
    • Please use the AC Adaptor (AC-NB12A) during the system software update. If the power of the camera turns off during the system software update, the camera might not work properly. Please make sure the cable of the AC Adaptor does not detach.
    • If the media card is ejected during the system software update, the camera might not work properly. Please do not eject the media card during the system software update.
    1. Close all currently running programs on your computer.
    2. Insert the SD/SDHC Memory Card into the "UTILITY SD" slot of the camera and turn the power ON.
    3. Press MENU button and go to "System" and "Version Up".


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    4. Select "Execute". The message "Please use the AC adapter Upgrade Version?" will appear on the screen.
    5. Select "Execute". The message "Version Upgrade Vx.xx - V4.00" will appear on the screen.


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      If the system software data is not found, the message "Version Upgrade No File" will appear on the screen. Possible causes are listed below.
      • System software update file is not saved on the root folder of the SD/SDHC Memory Card.
      • System software update file of another camera model has been saved.
      • Could not decode the system software update data correctly.

      Go back to the "Format the SD/SDHC Memory Card" procedure and try again.

    6. Select "Execute". Update will begin.

      Update will be executed in two phases: Phase 1 (3 min.) and Phase 2 (9 min.).

      When the update begins, the REC lamp will start blinking, and "Version Upgrade Elapsed Time XX:YY:ZZ Executing... XX%" will appear on the screen. (XX:YY:ZZ: Elapsed time, XX%: finished percentage)


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      Caution:between update Phase1 and Phase2, the camera will reboot and the message on the screen will disappear.
      Although the message disappears from the screen, the update is still running. Do not turn the power off.

    7. Once the update is completed, the REC lamp will stop blinking and message "Version Upgrade OK Turn Power Off" will appear on the screen.

      8. Notes:
      • If there is an error during the update, "Version Upgrade NG: Cannot Read. Power Off" will appear on the screen. Reboot the camera and redo the whole process from the beginning.
      • When the update fails, "Version Upgrade Error!!" will appear on the screen. Redo the whole process from the beginning. If the error still appears, camera might need repair, please contact your local Sony service center.

    8. Turn off the camera, remove the AC adapter, re-plug the AC adapter and turn on the camera again.

    2. Confirm the firmware version of your camera is Ver.4.00

    1. Switch ON the POWER of the camera.
    2. Go into the menu by pressing the "MENU" button.
    3. Go into "Version" in the "System" menu.
    4. System software version will be displayed.
      If V4.00 is displayed, firmware update is successful.


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      If the System software version is not updated, please check the procedure and redo the version update again.