How to reset MC-i250

[Gilbert]

Hey i have the MC-i250/22 set no.46 , i was wondering if there was a way to reset it or maybe upgrade it.
Since i cant access option's in internet, pc-link or cd. i was looking for a more hardcore way reset swicth or someting /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif need help plz.

Regards Gilbert

[Rufus]

Hi Gilbert,

I have the same problem (and still no solution). I called the german speaking Support Hotline from Philips, but they don't have any ideas how to solve this.
Did you set up different users for your streamium?
I had defined 4 users (and can't reach the users menu, too).

Kind regards,
Christoph Ruip

[Ryan Adler]

What exactly is the problem you're having? Does it just stay on Starting Up... in Internet and PC Link modes?

[Gilbert]

Hey Ryan,
Yes it stays on Starting Up... in pc-link and internet

Regards, Gilbert

[Ryan Adler]

Then I'm afraid there's nothing that you can do for it. You'll have to get it repaired.

[Gilbert]

ok where to send since it's a beta release, and what to send ? maybe only one module in it or the whole thingie. ?

[SmashIt]

I had the same problem with my previous mc-i250. Returned it three times to the service department and they were not able to fix it. The first time they replaced the WLAN module and firmware. The second time they replaced the power-supply (??) and the last time they didn't even mention what they replaced. Eventually I asked for a new set and they agreed. Personally I was convinced that there is a corruption in the NVRAM (non-volatile RAM), but the people at service simply did not listen.

The only advice I can give is just ask for a new set.

[Ryan Adler]

Unfortunately, I'm not sure there's anything that can be done if it's a beta set, as they don't come with any guarantee. Please call Philips technical support, any maybe they can work something out. Probably best not to mention that it's a beta set. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif Though I can't guarantee anything, you will have to speak to them on it.

[Rufus]

The Internet/PC Link part of the first generation Streamiums MC-i250 seems to have a limited lifetime.
If there is nothing changed in the later models the Philips technical support will get a lot of chances to work something out to solve this problem in the near future.

Kind regards,
Christoph Ruip

[Ryan Adler]

Indeed, there were issues with the beta test sets, which were fixed in the final versions of the hardware/software (mostly software). I'm sorry that you've had a bad experience with the set...if tech-support was unhelpful, please private message me, and perhaps there is something we can work out with the group here as far as getting you up and working again.

[Diego]

I have the same problem - It took me almost 4 months to first find someplace that would even touch my MCI-250 and then actually repair it.

2 months later it seems to have crashed again. It won't start up the Internet or PC Link. It just says "starting-up".

Isn't there anything I can do? I don't have a beta version - and I'd really hate to have to go through the customer service reps again...it was a total nightmare (and I had to pay for shipment!)...

[martijn]

Hi,

Is it possible to access the menu? If yes use there the reset option.

If that doesn't work you can try to do is removing the device 30 min from the power and see what happens.

[Diego]

Doesn't seem to be - if you mean trying to hit the 'options' button on the remote.

it will only let me access cd, tuner, aux, and other non-internet related functions.

[SmashIt]

@Diego:
You've to return your MC-i250 to the service department. I had the same problem with the player of my daughter. Unfortunately, there's no way to fix it yourself /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif. Probably it has to do something with the non-volatile RAM settings.

[Diego]

That's what I thought - I wouldn't complain, but considering that customer support is so horrible...

Is the problem of the MC-i250 not starting up a common problem? It seems to be a costly one if so...

[user]

Count me in, I have a beta set that started hanging last night when attempting to switch from pc link to internet. I machine 57 beta... I am a vp of product development for Time Warner. Otherwise the product has been trouble free.

marathons5@aol.com

[user]

I have number 57 and it shows the same symptoms begining last saturday friday 12/17/2004. So how do I get it fixed?

[Ryan Adler]

Unfortunately, beta sets are not supported by Philips. I'm sorry that the devices has stopped working, but they were from a test run, and problems are to be expected with such devices. If it were a normal production set, we would of course repair it for you, but it is Philips policy to not support beta devices. Sorry.

[Rufus]

Hi Ryan,

IMHO it's no problem if Philips doesn't repair or support beta devices (that was never promised) - but is this problem really solved in the later models? According to some messages this problem persists and I don't really dare to buy me a final Streamium in a shop (to find out that the streaming functions stop working after a not defined time).

Is there any chance to repair this unit (at own risk and/or myself) or would this be more expensive than buying a new one?

Kind regards,
Christoph

[Ryan Adler]

I believe that the problem in the beta sets was corrected in the final release. It was unfortunately a problem that couldn't be fixed with an online upgrade, only in newly programmed devices.
In all honesty, you cannot fix it yourself. It requires that the firmware is reinstalled on the device with special hardware (not to mention that we don't give out the firmware). Sorry.

[kmuk]

If the firmware goes s***y.. then there are 2(two)technical ways recover your i250:

1-st easy one: replace whole communication board! Take it from broken/destroyed/bad looking-not working i250. Sometimes shops sell cheap "damaged in transportation" gaggets. This is simple task - few screws, few connections.

2-nd hard and technicaly advanced: find working i250 and clone firmware chip from it. Find someone in big university electronics lab. Make sure they own universal IC programator. Buy a few empty firmware chips from the net.(they are so cheap...). Take out firmware chip from working i250 and read it's contents. Program empty chip and place it in your i250 set.
Looks complicated? It is a bit risky but possible. And one more thing... After you are done SHARE this firmware file over internet... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[kmuk]

The 3'd way is to visit Philips support once more. But... be persistant. It is hart to toss someone away when very specific problem is defined. So you need:

iAM-G3.0WL internet audio module board for your i250 player.
Spare part order information is:

iAM-G3.0WL PBAS 3103 308 67581

Print this line. Show it to "service engineer", make his life simpler. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif This is EASY replacable part, 7 conections, few screws & fan.

Good luck!

[nashnhall]

This post is old, but hopefully someone will respond. I have a Beta version, as well, which I know means I have to get help on my own as opposed to having it fixed by Philips. My question is two fold: 1) approx. cost? 2)is it worth fixing - meaning if I get it fixed, will the problems of it being a Beta version cause it to have the same problem again and again?

Thanks for your help!

[Rufus]

Hi,

to answer the first question:
Here in Austria this spare part would cost more than 360 Euros (450 US Dollar) :-(

Regards,
Christoph Ruip