Sony HDR-AS30V Camcorder System Software Update Instruction for Windows

Determine if Your Camcorder Needs the Update

This update is only for HDR-AS30V camcorders that currently have firmware version 1.00. If your camcorder firmware version is already Version 2.00, this update is not necessary.

Check the version of your camcorder firmware:

  1. Power on the camcorder.
  2. Press the "Next" button to display "Setup", and then press the "Enter" button.
  3. At the "Setup" screen, press the "NEXT" button. If "FLIP" is displayed, the firmware version is 2.00 and the camcorder does not need this update.
    Setting Display Screen

Important Notes

  • This utility is only for use with the Sony HDR-AS30V camcorders. Do not install this utility with any other model.
  • WARNING!!: This firmware update and any changes incurred by it are permanent. It is not possible to return to a previous firmware version after updating this firmware. By continuing this update process and downloading and updating this firmware, you acknowledge that you are aware and understand that this update cannot be reversed.
  • This update process requires the following items for proper updating:
    • A computer with:
      • Available Hard Disk Space: 200 MB or more
      • Installed Memory (RAM): 512 MB or more
      • A USB port.
      • One of the following Microsoft® Windows® operating systems installed:
        • Windows 8
        • Windows 7 (with Service Pack 1)
        • Windows Vista® (with Service Pack 2)
          Note: Starter Edition of Windows Vista is not supported.
        • Windows XP (with Service Pack 3)
          Note: 64-bit and Starter Editions of Windows XP are not supported.
    • Camcorder power supply:
      • This update can only be performed when the remaining battery level has three bars Battery Indicater or more. When performing the firmware update, it's recommended to use a fully charged NP-BX1 or NP-FG1 rechargeable battery pack.
        WARNING!!: The camcorder may not operate properly if the power is interrupted during the update.
    • USB cable:
      • Use only the USB cable supplied with the camcorder.
        IMPORTANT: Update functionality is not guaranteed with any other USB cable.
  • To ensure that no other program interferes with the installation, save all work and close all other programs. The Taskbar should be clear of applications before proceeding.
  • It is highly recommended that you print out these instructions for use as a reference during the installation process.

Prepare the Camcorder for the Firmware Update

  1. Remove the memory card from the camcorder
  2. Ensure the camcorder battery is fully charged.

Download and Update the Firmware

  1. Download the Update_CAMAS30V200.exe file to a temporary or download directory (please note this directory for reference).
    Note: For Windows 8, the default settings for Internet Explorer® will save the file in the "Downloads" folder. To locate the Downloads folder, click the "Desktop" tile from the Start screen and then locate the downloaded file using Windows Explorer.
  2. Go to the directory where the file was downloaded and double-click the Update_CAMAS30V200.exe file to begin the Firmware Updater.
  3. Ensure the memory card is removed from the camcorder.
  4. Connect the camcorder to your computer using the supplied USB cable.
  5. Verify that the remove hardware icon Remove Hardware Icon or Remove Hardware Icon is displayed in the task tray at the lower right-hand corner of the computer screen.
    Notes:
    • If the message "Could not find the camera for this update." appears on the computer display, try disconnecting and reconnection the USB cable or try another USB port on the computer.
    • Sometimes when the camera is connected to the computer with the USB cable, a message appears to restart the computer. If this occurs, remove the battery pack from the camcorder, restart the computer, reconnect the battery pack, and then start the firmware update procedure again.
  6. At the "Firmware Updater" window, click "Next".
    Connect the Camcorder Screen
    WARNING!!: Do not power off the camcorder or disconnect the USB cable until the update process is complete.
  7. When the updater recognizes the camcorder connection, the next "Firmware Updater" screen is displayed on the computer, and the camcorder screen displays UPDAT.
    Camcorder UPDAT Screen
  8. At the "Firmware Updater" window, click "Next".
    Camcorder Connected Screen
  9. When the following screen is displayed, check the version number at the lower left.
    Current Version Screen
    If the current version is "1.00", click "Next".
    Note: If the current version is "2.00", your camcorder does not need this update. Stop the USB connection by clicking the remove hardware icon Remove Hardware Icon or Remove Hardware Icon in the task tray in the lower right corner of the computer screen and then click the "Finish" button on the "Firmware Updater" screen. Then power off the camcorder, briefly remove the battery pack, and then power on the camcorder again.

  10. IMPORTANT: Do not disconnect the USB cable from the camcorder or the computer.
  11. On the camcorder, press the ENTER button to reset the camcorder.
    Camcorder ENTER Button Screen
    After resetting, reconnection of the camcorder is verified, and the following Firmware Updater screen appears.
  12. At the "Firmware Updater" screen, click "Next".

  13. Click Next Screen
  14. When the following screen is displayed, click "Run".
    Note: The update process takes about ten minutes to complete.
    Run the Update Screen
    WARNING!!: Do not power off the camcorder or disconnect the USB cable until the update process is complete.
  15. When the following screen is displayed, click "Finish".
    Update Complete Screen
  16. You may now disconnect the USB cable.
  17. Power off the camcorder and remove the battery pack. Then reconnect the battery pack and power the camcorder back on.

Check the Firmware Version After Updating (optional)

  1. Power on the camcorder.
  2. Press the Next button to display "Setup", and then press the "Enter" button.
  3. At the "Setup" screen, press the "NEXT" button to display "FLIP", this confirms the firmware version is 2.00.
    Setting Display Screen
    If "FLIP" is displayed, the firmware update was successful.
    Note: If "FLIP" is not displayed, please download and install the firmware update again.

Return Sony HDR-AS30V Camcorder System Software Update 2.00