Sony Support

Firmware update Ver.1.01 for HDR-AZ1 (Windows)

Improves GPS logs and location information and corrects image distribution size when the live-streaming function is used

    Applicable Models
    About this download
    System Requirements
    Download
    Install

    Applicable Models

    This information is for the following models:
    • HDR-AZ1

    About this download

    • Name: Firmware update Ver.1.01 for HDR-AZ1 (Windows)
    • Release date: 18/12/2014
    • Benefits and improvements
      • Improves GPS logs in movie recording andlocation information in still image recording
      • Corrects image distribution size in the Live-streaming function, when the video size is set at 1280x720

    System Requirements

    Operating Systems

    The latest version of the firmware update is compatible with most commonly used versions of Microsoft Windows:
    • Windows(r) Vista* SP2
    • Windows(r) 7 SP1
    • Windows(r) 8
    • Windows(r) 8.1

      Notes:
      * Starter edition is not supported.

    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
      • Fully charged rechargeable battery pack NP-BY1
        Note: The update can be performed only when the remaining battery level is (three marks) or more. We recommend that you use a fully charged battery.
    • USB cable supplied with the camera

      Note: Update functionality is not guaranteed with any other USB cable.

    Download

    Important notes:

    • When performing the firmware update, please use a fully charged rechargeable battery pack NP-BY1.
    • Do not remove the battery during the update; otherwise, the camera may become inoperable due to the sudden power shutdown.
    • Remove the memory card from the camera beforehand.

    How to download the firmware updater:

    1. Make sure that you are logged on as a user with administrative rights.
    2. 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.
    3. The download of the [Update_HDRAZ1V101.exe] file will start.
    4. 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.

    Install

    Once the file has downloaded successfully, you're ready to install the Firmware update Ver.1.01 for HDR-AZ1.

    Step 1: Start up the Firmware Updater

    1. Close all currently running programs on your computer.
    2. Double-click the [Update_HDRAZ1V101.exe] file you downloaded to start up the Firmware Updater.


      The Firmware Updater window appears.

    3. Remove the memory card from the camera beforehand. Connect the camera to the computer with the supplied USB cable.
      Note: USB Mode appears on the LCD monitor of the camera.

      If the computer cannot find the camera, the message " Could not find the camera for this update." appears on the computer display. Try the following if this happens.
      - Disconnect the USB cable and connect it again.
      - If the computer has multiple USB terminals, try with the other terminals. Your computer may have some USB terminals on the backside.


      Sometimes when the camera is connected to the computer with the USB cable, the message to encourage rebooting the computer may appear on the computer display. In this case, remove the battery pack from the camera, reboot the computer, and follow the procedures from "2. Start up Firmware Updater".
    4. Confirm the "Safely Remove Hardware" icon is displayed on the task tray at the lower right corner of the computer screen.
    5. After confirming the above, click Next on the Firmware Updater window.
      Note: From now on, never turn off the camera until the firmware update is completed.


    6. After confirming the screens on Figures 1 and 2, click [Next]. The current version and the version after the update appear on the lower left part of the screen. (Figure 3)
    7. After confirming Current Version is Ver.1.00, click [Next].
      If the screen on Figure 4 appears, the update is not required. According to the message, stop the USB connection and click Finish. Turn off the camera, remove the battery pack, reinsert the battery and turn on the camera.

      Figure 3: Update is required.

      Figure 4: Update is not required.

    8. Click the "Safely Remove Hardware" icon on the task tray at the lower right corner of the computer screen to stop the USB connection, as instructed on figure 5.
      Note: Please keep the USB cable connected even after stopping the USB connection on the computer with the above operation.
      Figure 5

    9. Press the [REC] (Movie/Photo) button to execute

      Note: The screen turns off when the [REC] button is pressed. Please proceed to the next step.
    10. Click Next on the Firmware Updater window (Figure 5).
    11. After resetting, reconnection of the camera is verified, and the screen on Figure 6 appears.
    12. Click Run to start the update. The progress bar appears while updating (approximately 12 minutes).
      Note: Never turn off the camera nor disconnect the USB cable while updating.
      Figure 6

    13. When the update is completed, the camera will automatically restart. Make sure the camera is turned on and wait until the LCD screen appears again. Click [Finish] when the LCD screen appears and disconnect the usb cable appears
      Figure 7

    Step 2: Confirm the firmware version of your camera is Ver.1.01

    1. Start PlayMemories Mobile installed on your smartphone or tablet and connect it to the camera.
      Regarding the installation method of PlayMemories Mobile and the connection method to the camera, refer to the instruction manual supplied with the camera or “Connecting the Camera to Your Smartphone” (Android /iPhone) in the HDR-AZ1’s Help Guide
    2. The version can be displayed by selecting [Settings] -> [Camera information] in PlayMemories Mobile