Future Firmware Updates

[talonmm]

Well now that Line 6 is pushing the Helix and pouring more resources into that product, do you think there will be any additional firmware updates for the POD HD line?

 

I ask because I recently learned that all those backup bundles I did over the years are not going to restore properly if I upgrade the pod hd firmware and I now know it's best to backup setlists not bundles.

 

I'm wondering that if I have the latest firmware, perhaps this will be the final update they offer.

 

I have not been with Line 6 when they've phase out a product, so I'm not sure if some firmware updates are a result of new computer hardware or computer trends and there could be future updates coming. I imagine Line 6 has pretty much worked out the bugs by now in the POD's and there's no pressing reason for firmware updates.

 

Any thoughts on this?

 

 

[silverhead]

Yes, there are many thoughts on this which are expressed periodically in threads just like this one. Everybody will have their own opinion - and that's exactly what they are. Opinions.

The only statement that would matter would have to come from Line 6. And they have a very predictable behaviour: they announce firmware updates when and if they become available. They NEVER (for a number of valid reasons, some legal) will say: "Yes, a firmware update is coming in X months" , or "No further firmware updates will be issued for this product." (except when they announce a product's EOL).

So - anyone who wants to provide their personal opinion (again) is, of course, free to do so. But don't base any decisions on any of them.

 

EDIT: Note that this question appears regularly with the latest products too. It you really want to NOT know what's coming next for Helix (if anything), look here:

http://line6.com/support/topic/22464-just-for-fun-what-do-you-think-is-coming-in-the-next-update/

[brue58ski]

I don't think there will be any more "equipment" model additions. Possibly an FX pack but I think they've done all the amps they're gonna. I'm hoping for a firmware or driver update to give us (for example) the ability to record a dry signal while hearing the guitar with the modeling and related to this, the ability to reamp. Also, since I'm here, the EQ's are in percentages which sucks BUT I don't think it would be that difficult to at least make a change in HD Edit to reflect Hz and dB. REALLY hopin' that happens. But I kind of think this is as far as the HD500 will go as far as improvements. I don't think they will stop making them. It's still the best sounding modeler at this price range. Or should I say one of the best. I think it is the best but who the hell am I. For me this may all be moot. Just plugged into a Helix for about 10 minutes a few days ago. I'm saving my pennies. I'm pretty sure it will be the last modeler I will purchase. I can hear you rolling your eyes but I'm serious. I've never said this before but the Helix impressed me that much.

[pianoguyy]

First, why wouldn't your old bundles work with the new firmwares?

>>and, you can install the old firmwares, load your bundles, and then re-save them as setlists or individual patches - if you think that will help. 

 

But now, the firmware opinion... 

I really think it depends on what you are seeking as to whether or not to expect new stuff.

For example, I see no reason why there won't be a few tweaks to the software. I am not, however, expecting 30 more amps to be released, nor am I expecting a rewrite of the routing schematics to allow the input to be an output or unused outputs to be used as inputs.

 

 

 

***I don't consider drivers a firmware issue. But I do expect drivers to be issued so that I can use this rig for 20 years the way I did my previous rig. 

[talonmm]

First, why wouldn't your old bundles work with the new firmwares?

>>and, you can install the old firmwares, load your bundles, and then re-save them as setlists or individual patches - if you think that will help. 

 

But now, the firmware opinion... 

I really think it depends on what you are seeking as to whether or not to expect new stuff.

For example, I see no reason why there won't be a few tweaks to the software. I am not, however, expecting 30 more amps to be released, nor am I expecting a rewrite of the routing schematics to allow the input to be an output or unused outputs to be used as inputs.

 

 

 

***I don't consider drivers a firmware issue. But I do expect drivers to be issued so that I can use this rig for 20 years the way I did my previous rig. 

 

 

with the newer firmware updates, line 6 made changes to the amp parameters and who knows what else, so importing the bundles into a newer system with new controls is not compatible, according to a few sources I have read on these forums.

 

And I can't get old firm-wares and easily figure out what my bundle backup firmware was in.

 

No big deal, I have re-backed up my files as set lists.

[cruisinon2]

***I don't consider drivers a firmware issue. But I do expect drivers to be issued so that I can use this rig for 20 years the way I did my previous rig.

I sympathize, but I think we're both gonna be disappointed on this count. Ours is a disposable economy now...nothing is designed to last 20 years anymore. In fact, I'd argue that it's the polar opposite. Planned obsolescence is the guiding principle of anything technology-based.

[pianoguyy]

Well, I would try it before I discard it. 

While I have not had my unit since 2010 (initial release), there's not too much that I have found to be incompatible in the time that I have had it. 

 

 

And, as far as finding out which firmware was used, I would go by date. 

I don't know how you keep your stuff organized, but if you right click and go to properties, it will tell you when a file was created and when it was last modified. You can then figure out that the things made in 2010 were not on firmware 6.9.

[pianoguyy]

I sympathize, but I think we're both gonna be disappointed on this count. Ours is a disposable economy now...nothing is designed to last 20 years anymore. In fact, I'd argue that it's the polar opposite. Planned obsolescence is the guiding principle of anything technology-based.

Agreed. 

 

And at least the stuff is cheap enough to dispose of without worry. 

 

 

I know, I know, I know --- "but, PianoGuyY, $500 is a lot of money"

No, it's not. 

 

It's an illusion of comparatives that people are living in. 

My $700 unit that I bought in the late 1980's was expensive. It lasted me 20+ years. In today's money, that is a Helix. Sure, I needed a dozen units to make my sound, and use an amp, but they all lasted 20+ years. Can anyone imagine that kind of money? When today, I can buy an HD500, which does everything (and more) that my old rig did. $500 is not expensive. 

 

The problem occurs when people look at their paycheck. They don't realize that they are doing less than they did in the past, therefore do not need paid as much. So, when you look at $500 and you think that it is two weeks of minimum wage labor, you think "gee that is a lot", but had their income kept up with inflation and cost of living, $500 would be more like half a day's labor. 

 

 

 

The current temperature outside is 71 degrees. 

Not hot at all -- unless I am in the Arctic, then 71 is a problem.

It is also not cold, unless I am in Hawaii, where the average winter temp is 78.