Neuros Technology Forums

Dear Neuros 442 gamma group:

We wanted to give you some exciting news about a change in the 442 upgrade program and also provide you with an update on the open-source 442 (what we call the 442v2 internally) and on our new, open-source product platform in general.  We will start with the update.

Update  
A great deal of work and progress is happening behind the scenes but not hidden from view.  We encourage you to follow the work, or even participate. You can see information posted about all our products on our wiki. For developers, you can participate to our Google group: Neuros DM 320, and get information from our http://open.neurostechnology.com/ site.

As many of you know we have three categories of Portable Media products at Neuros:  (i) Portable Media Player’s (the 442); (ii) Digital recorders (the MPEG-4 Recorders); and (iii) Digital Audio Computers (the Neuros MP3 players).  We are in the process of moving all of them to a single “Platform” based on a state-of-the-art multimedia chip called the DM-320 from Texas Instruments and a Linux-based operating system that we are developing specifically for the Platform.  

We chose the DM-320 chip because it is very powerful and designed specifically for multimedia and because we were able to negotiate licensing agreements that allow us to make much of the source code open to our community.  Of course, we chose Linux as the basis for the operating system because of its power and inherent openness.

The advantage to using the Platform for all three categories of product is that they will all be the same “under the hood”, which will allow them to work seamlessly together and for firmware enhancements made for one of the products to work for all of the products.  The Platform is also scalable and will enable us to introduce new products more quickly, as we won’t have to reinvent the wheel each time.  We are as anxious to get this Platform done as you are for us to complete it, but you can imagine that it’s a big job and how important it is to get it right.

We estimate that the general Platform work is about 75% complete.  We have our first development boards that we are debugging and beginning to use internally and will be releasing to our most technically skilled and involved community members in the coming weeks and estimate that the operating system is about 80% complete.    

In parallel with the above work on the Platform, we are also doing the work specific to the first two products that will come out on the Platform:  the 442v2 and the Recorder 3.  Right now, the 442v2 is furthest along, with the UI already designed and about 75% programmed and the basic hardware design about 85% complete.  If you want to see what the 442v2 UI will look like, you can see screen shots at http://open.neurostechnology.com/node/182 . We are just beginning the work specific to the Recorder 3 but this may be completed first due to its less complex software and hardware needs (no video screen, for example).  


New Expected Availability Date for 442v2 and Recorder 3 and New Upgrade Program  
We are now expecting to complete the 442v2 in Q2.  Many of you purchased the 442v1 in September with the expectation the 442v2 would be available in Q1 of 2006, a month or two before your 6-months no-questions-asked return ended.  We understand the importance of wanting to see the 442v2 before the expiration date of the Gamma program, and we also want to reward you for your patience.  For this reason, we have made two important changes to the 442 Gamma Program.

First, we will extend the no-questions-asked return policy until after the first public release of the 442v2 to give you the chance to evaluate it before deciding what to do.

Second, anyone who opts for the upgrade will receive a brand new 442v2 instead of a re-conditioned 442v1 as originally offered or get the unit at a discounted price as previously announced.

Here are the details of the upgrade:

1.   After announcement of the official date of the launch of the Neuros 442v2, current 442 owners will have 30 days to send their unit for an upgrade. A new 442, 40GBHDD with the new open source operating system, will be sent to you 4 to 5 weeks after the reception of the unit you currently own and the upgrade fee. Please note that owners of damaged units (obvious scratched on the screen or casing, missing parts etc…) will not be eligible for the upgrade or the full refund.
2.   The full refund offer will end 1 month after the official 442v2 launch date.  We will notify you at this time.
3.   Owners who decide to keep the current unit instead of upgrading will be able to purchase a new unit at a deep discounted price as originally announced.
4.   Major information on the 442v2 will be posted from time to time on the Neuros Forums as available.  You can follow the activities more closely at http://open.neurostechnology.com/ and www.theneuros.com


Thanks again for believing in us and for your great feedback.  We will be incorporating many of your suggestions out-of-the-box in the 442v2 and many others over time in new firmware upgrades after the product is launched.  Thanks also for your patience.  We’re building something lasting and special here and our doing our best to make sure you are rewarded many times over for it.

Best Regards,

Neuros team


FJ

Thanks for the update! It's just what the doctor ordered.  

The new screens look good, too.

Johan,
Thanks for the very detailed update.
Sounds very generous and mostly positive News with maybe the exception of the 4-5 week turn around on the upgrade.
I guess thats to be expected with the volume of units Neuros will have to process but how will we all survive without our 442 for 5 weeks.

Sounds like a great upgrade offer. I feel much better knowing that the return policy will be extended.

I have a few questions.

What will need to go back for the upgrade? Just the unit itself, or everything that came in the original box? I ask because some companies tell customers to just send back the actual unit during product exchanges as opposed to all cables, etc.

One more silly question. I noticed amongst the early forum posts that several users mentioned the flimsy rubber plug cover had fallen off of their units. Would something this trivial affect the upgrade or full refund? I would imagine not, but had to ask. [:)]

Am I the only one who can't open any of the open.neurostechnology.com pages?

Talked to Mr. Born and apparently the site is have technical difficulties at the moment and they hope to have it fixed soon.

Keith Ashwood
American Techpushers (#1 Neuros reseller)


www.americantechpushers.com

The problem with open.neurostechnology.com has been fixed.

And yes, you will need to send the 442 with all the accessories in the original 442 packaging for teh upgrade program.


FJ

oh goodie....i cant wait.  I love new products

When I was a kid my mom used to tell me that curiosity killed the cat...What she forgot to tell me was that it also discovered the cat, invented the lightbulb, and forged the Neuros

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Originally posted by FJ

Dear Neuros 442 gamma group:

Please note that owners of damaged units (obvious scratched on the screen or casing, missing parts etc…) will not be eligible for the upgrade or the full refund.
Best Regards,

Neuros team


FJ

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So, exactly what constitutes a damaged unit? Mine's in great shape, except the little rubber cover for the plugs ripped off the first day I had it. Does that make me inelligible for the upgrade?

Doesn't matter to me, as I plan to buy a new one and keep the old one anyway, but I don't believe that a ripped flimsy rubber cover should invalidate my unit. Does it?

Game_Writer

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So, exactly what constitutes a damaged unit? Mine's in great shape, except the little rubber cover for the plugs ripped off the first day I had it. Does that make me inelligible for the upgrade?

Doesn't matter to me, as I plan to buy a new one and keep the old one anyway, but I don't believe that a ripped flimsy rubber cover should invalidate my unit. Does it?

Game_Writer

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 I think that, that has happened to everyone, and the unit still works w/o that rubber cover thing. I think they mean something that would cause the unit not ro function up to par, or like it used to.

I can't wait til the upgrade.

like my sig

Does anyone know how the upgrade plan will work for the gamma group?  Specifically, what I want to know is will I be able to return both unit(442v1 and 442v2) if the final version(442v2) doesn't implement the features that were requested(external speakers, bookmark, VGA recording, .srt subtitle support).  For me, the only improvements needed are to the video player portion but it's been forever and the only firmware so far address very few of our concerns.  What I want most is a crash-proof unit that plays all types of video files including mpeg2 files and .srt subtitle support.  The Green Screen of Death that I mention in the support forum has been duplicated by a couple of members on this forum and there hasn't been any progress at all.

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Originally posted by raider73

I want to know is will I be able to return both unit(442v1 and 442v2) if the final version(442v2) doesn't implement the features that were requested(external speakers, bookmark, VGA recording, .srt subtitle support).

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If I had to guess, I'd have to think that if you upgraded to the 442v2, the "30 day no questions asked return policy" would apply.  But if you decided to keep the v1 and buy a v2 at a discount, I think you'd be stuck with the v1.

I from belgium and i bought the "neuros" in a warehouse called "ALDI". The name of my "neuros" is a "zolid 920". It's just the same as the neuros 442, same looks, same specs, same menu just another name.

So it's also the firts version v1. My question is if the new firmware that hopefully will come out out soon will work with the old v1 version of the "neuros 442". Or does the new software only works on v2 of the neuros 442. Because i live in belgium it would cost me a lot to send it to chicago.

t would be nice if i could just download the new software to my zolid 920 and work with new software.

Thanks, and  hopefully my wish will be completed.

greatz kristof (sorry for my english)

stoffie

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Originally posted by stoffie

So it's also the firts version v1. My question is if the new firmware that hopefully will come out out soon will work with the old v1 version of the "neuros 442". Or does the new software only works on v2 of the neuros 442. Because i live in belgium it would cost me a lot to send it to chicago.
stoffie

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The Neuros 442V2 will be using a New hardware platform with a different video processor chip set.
The firmware for the Version 2 will not work on the current version hardware.

I assume that missing original earphones will not disqualify me from the gamma program upgrade.

GMan

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Originally posted by stoffie

I from belgium and i bought the "neuros" in a warehouse called "ALDI". The name of my "neuros" is a "zolid 920". It's just the same as the neuros 442, same looks, same specs, same menu just another name.

So it's also the firts version v1. My question is if the new firmware that hopefully will come out out soon will work with the old v1 version of the "neuros 442". Or does the new software only works on v2 of the neuros 442. Because i live in belgium it would cost me a lot to send it to chicago.

t would be nice if i could just download the new software to my zolid 920 and work with new software.

Thanks, and  hopefully my wish will be completed.

greatz kristof (sorry for my english)

stoffie

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Stoffie,

What you got was not a Neuros product.  You will not be able to send it to Chicago.  The same case design is used by other companies. It is made in China and sold to any company to put their name on it. The insides are going to be different in the v2 while the outer case will still look the same.

So Neuros is saying that if we don't have the box, from 6 months ago, that we can't upgrade our unit?  Will it have different cables, connectors, power connector?

Come on, this is getting ridiculous.  I want to upgrade, but if I have to jump through hoops to get it, I'd rather just return the unit.

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Originally posted by ctphi003

So Neuros is saying that if we don't have the box, from 6 months ago, that we can't upgrade our unit?  Will it have different cables, connectors, power connector?
Come on, this is getting ridiculous.  I want to upgrade, but if I have to jump through hoops to get it, I'd rather just return the unit.

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Lets see The 442 is going to have to be damage free and in the original Retail box with everything that came with it inorder for Neuros to accept it as a Return.
This is pretty standard industry practice if you wish to return a item for refund.
So How is this any different than what is required for the upgrade offer that you feel there are extra hoops to jump thru?

What people will probably want to know is whether the flimsy rubber cover on the AV jacks counts.  I think this came off for many 442 owners, and the 442 is probably better without it (unless I suppose you are watching video in the sand)

Rastyk

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Originally posted by rastyk

What people will probably want to know is whether the flimsy rubber cover on the AV jacks counts.  I think this came off for many 442 owners, and the 442 is probably better without it (unless I suppose you are watching video in the sand)
Rastyk

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It pulled off on me the first day I received the 442 but I still use it to keep the dirt out when im not using my 442.
I kinda doubt Neuros is going to care or make a issue over a minor item like the rubber cover broke off.
If you have a scratched screen or you dropped and damaged the unit then I think you will have a problem.

What if I got deployed by the military and I cannot find my retail box. I still have all the wiring, but I do not know if I can find the box. The unit is still in tip top shape, the thing held up great in the desert! I am still currently deployed and since I share a building with ~50 other guys, I cannot say whether or not someone else threw it out. Will I still be able to trade it in if I cannot find the box?

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Originally posted by JEFFH

quote:

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Originally posted by ctphi003

So Neuros is saying that if we don't have the box, from 6 months ago, that we can't upgrade our unit?  Will it have different cables, connectors, power connector?
Come on, this is getting ridiculous.  I want to upgrade, but if I have to jump through hoops to get it, I'd rather just return the unit.

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Lets see The 442 is going to have to be damage free and in the original Retail box with everything that came with it inorder for Neuros to accept it as a Return.
This is pretty standard industry practice if you wish to return a item for refund.
So How is this any different than what is required for the upgrade offer that you feel there are extra hoops to jump thru?

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The issue is the fact that the return conditions were made known nearly five months after the Woot sale. No mention was made at that time to keep the original packaging, etc for upgrades when the units were sold through Woot back in September of 2005.
 
Had customers been advised to keep the original packaging and all enclosed items when they first purchased their units so they would be eligible for a refund, it would have been a different matter.

To be perfectly honest, I'm left with the impression that Neuros is trying to limit the number of discounted exchanges they will have to make by setting return / refund conditions months after the 442s were sold, relying on the fact that some customers may not have kept the original packaging handy after several months.

Lastly, standard industry practice should be common knowleged to those that are in that particular industry. Assuming that not all Neuros customers are in the electronics retail industry, I don't see how knowledge of a "standard industry practice" should apply in this case.

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The issue is the fact that the return conditions were made known nearly five months after the Woot sale. No mention was made at that time to keep the original packaging, etc for upgrades when the units were sold through Woot back in September of 2005.
 
Had customers been advised to keep the original packaging and all enclosed items when they first purchased their units so they would be eligible for a refund, it would have been a different matter.

To be perfectly honest, I'm left with the impression that Neuros is trying to limit the number of discounted exchanges they will have to make by setting return / refund conditions months after the 442s were sold, relying on the fact that some customers may not have kept the original packaging handy after several months.

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First off Im just a Neuros customer like you.
For me its only common sense that if as a consumer we wish to return a purchased Item for refund we would need the original packaging and everything that came with it.
Honestly I was really surprised any educated electronics consumer would ever think otherwise.

Neuros has gone way above and beyond whats normal in trying to be fair and offer there early adopter customers the best warranty and upgrade offer I have frankly ever seen available anywhere.
It truely unheard of for other companies to offer such great terms and conditions on there products like Neuros has offered us.
Its amazing to me that some would still not be satisfied.
Again this is just my personal opinion as a first time Neuros customer.

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To be perfectly honest, I'm left with the impression that Neuros is trying to limit the number of discounted exchanges they will have to make by setting return / refund conditions months after the 442s were sold, relying on the fact that some customers may not have kept the original packaging handy after several months.

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I still have the box from my computer that's over a year old, a scanner I bought over three years ago, and the camera I bought over two.  As limited as my apartment storage is, I keep the packaging for every gadget and computer component I buy for as long as I can, if for no other reason that to be able to move them safely.

To be perfectly honest, I think you're an the kind of person who loves being "the victim".  I mean COME ON!  It's all some grand conspiracy to have a generous return policy and then see if you can weed out those returns, isn't it?  Those Neuros guys are so conniving.  Your theory is ridiculous and IMO insulting to a company that simply wants to deliver the best product they can.

Here's a news flash:  the whole world isn't out to stick it to you.

quote:

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The issue is the fact that the return conditions were made known nearly five months after the Woot sale. No mention was made at that time to keep the original packaging, etc for upgrades when the units were sold through Woot back in September of 2005.
 
Had customers been advised to keep the original packaging and all enclosed items when they first purchased their units so they would be eligible for a refund, it would have been a different matter.

To be perfectly honest, I'm left with the impression that Neuros is trying to limit the number of discounted exchanges they will have to make by setting return / refund conditions months after the 442s were sold, relying on the fact that some customers may not have kept the original packaging handy after several months.

Lastly, standard industry practice should be common knowleged to those that are in that particular industry. Assuming that not all Neuros customers are in the electronics retail industry, I don't see how knowledge of a "standard industry practice" should apply in this case.

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I think you're just trying to make an excuse.  I remember Neuros specifically telling us to keep the box because many people inquire about damaging the box by cutting the UPC out for the rebate and Neuros stated the box w/o the UPC was fine when you returned the unit or exchange the unit.  W/ that said, it is obvious to me and others that you had to keep the box for exchange or refund.  As for the accessories, it is obvious you have to return it.  The only grey area for me is that damn rubber piece covering the i/o ports--it came off but I still have it and the earphones(who would want use earbuds returned, not me that's for sure but if Neuros wants it back they can have it).

for the upgrade of the 442v2
Do we as a commodore pmc 30 users, have a chance to get this opportunity,
because as a costumer we could only buy  PMC30 from Turkey/istanbul.
if there is any chance to get this support from neuros, it would be perfect for us because we have no other chance to get this upgrade from Turkey. and from commodore.
thanks for your intrest.


Mr.FOG

Commodore's owners will not be eligible for the upgrade. Only Neuros 442 owners who bought a new unit from one of our qualified retailers will.

FJ

hi!
   im from spain and i also bought the same product as you did, the only thing is that mine is cald zolid 920. its taken me lots of time to get hold of it because here its difficult to find these products. would there be any way to change it for one of the upgraded ones? in the end the product is exactly the same just a different name. and ive got absolutely everything, from the box to the original wrapping.
   or at least could they not shut down those who would continue with the older version and continue creating firmware for the v1.
       congratulations for the forum, its grate. i wish i had things like this at home.
    hasta la vista, y muchas gracias.

Could you please give me a heads up as to when your expecting to release the 442v2? I bought the 442 when it went on sale via w00t and have kept all my packaging intact wating for this upgrade. However I'm getting rather impatient wating for this so called 442v2. I'm strongly concidering simply getting my money back and perhaps blowing the money on a new HD-DVD player or maybe a downpayment on my PS3. Or I could just simply wait for apple to release thier new video ipod that has a hole side of it dedicated to an LCD.


Please I don't have time to check these forums I simply get updated via email mailing list what is going on. And to be quite honest I haven't got back any emails besides news that the gamma program was going to be extended and that it would be until Q2 06 that this thing would be ready.

Living in Big XII Country

This is awesome!  I can't wait for the new 442 v2!  Sometimes being a packrat is a good thing.  I still have my original box and its contents.  Woot!

Yea I am waiting for this too. I still have everything. I just hope I will be updated through email because I rarely check this forum. Can't wait for v2

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Originally posted by truen

Yea I am waiting for this too. I still have everything. I just hope I will be updated through email because I rarely check this forum. Can't wait for v2

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Im pretty confident Johan or someone else from Neuros will send all registered users a email with the details when the upgrade is ready.