What are the differences between the GY-HD100U and GY-HD100U(A)?
The upgrade offers several important benefits to the camera owner:
Improved NLE performance
Improved reliability
Improved inter-operability with the DR-HD100U hard disk recorder
Serial communications with Anton-Bauer Battery systems, with additional menu selection,
live battery status in viewfinder (battery voltage, time remaining, etc.)
Does the upgrade eliminate the 'SSE' issue?
The upgrade does not affect the picture quality performance of the camera
Will this address the problem of segmented frames during capture?
Certain NLE's have experienced issues with scenes being broken into shorter segments (clips) during capture. This upgrade addresses this issue.
Is the (A) upgrade necessary?
We feel that every user will benefit from this upgrade. Non-linear editing companies update their software regularly and will be using the latest JVC model(s) as a reference.
To ensure maximum performance and compatibility with today's and future systems, JVC strongly urges you to have this upgrade performed.
What new battery indications are shown in the viewfinder?
Provides additional menu selection. Live battery status in viewfinder (battery voltage, time remaining, etc.)
Will the IDX battery be affected?
The IDX battery will not be affected by this upgrade.
Only the Anton Bauer provides the serial communications necessary for viewfinder battery status
Will my Firestore FS-4 performance improve with the upgrade?
JVC is marketing the DR-HD100U which is similar but not the same as the FS-4.
The upgrade enables the DR-HD100U viewfinder status, camera/drive communications, and stream stability when camera trigger is pressed.
For further information about FS-4 compatibility, please contact Focus Enhancements
Will I be able to record in PAL after the upgrade?
No
How do I know if the model I just purchased is an upgraded model?
An “(A)” sticker will be placed near the model number on the camera and carton box (see photo)
Does the GY-HD100U(A) cost any more than the earlier model?
No, the price is the same
Are the same accessories and media compatible with the U(A)?
Yes, all accessories and media compatible with the GY-HD100U can be used with the upgraded version
Is the warranty on the U(A) the same?
Yes, the warranty has not changed: 12 months labor, 12 months parts.
Where are the Upgrades being preformed?
Currently upgrades are only being preformed in our Cypress, CA Factory Service Center. Please print and use the shipping form and label from the JVC website.
Will JVC cover shipping cost sending in the camera?
End user pays for packing, shipping and insuring the camera to JVC’s Factory Service Center in Cypress, CA.
JVC pays return shipping back to the end user
Can I perform the upgrade myself?
No
Are the models from outside the U.S. being updated?
JVC (USA) is only upgrading U.S. models (U-suffix: GY-HD100U) purchased from authorized dealers in the U.S.
Customers who own models purchased outside the U.S. should contact the JVC subsidiary in the country where the product was originally purchased.
How long can I expect to be without my camera while the upgrade is performed?
The camera will be upgraded in our Cypress factory service center and shipped back to you within 3 business days of receipt by JVC. JVC recommends you consider transit time to/from JVC in your planning.
For questions about status and turnaround time, please contact JVC customer service at 1-800-582-5825
Will my warranty start over from the date of the version change?
No, your warranty is unchanged and continues from the original date of purchase
My camera is fairly new and I am concerned about having it serviced, can I just exchange the camera for the UA model?
No, JVC will upgrade your model.
When is the latest that I can send my camera in for the upgrade?
The free upgrade program will run until July 31, 2006.
After that date, the cost of the upgrade is $149
I'm not having any problems with my camera. Do I need to send it in?
JVC recommends all GY-HD100U owners to upgrade their cameras.
3rd party suppliers, especially non-linear editing systems, are continually introducing new products that work with the GY-HD100. To ensure maximum performance and compatibility with today's and future systems, JVC strongly urges you to have this upgrade performed.
Can I upgrade the camera myself via firmware?
The upgrade ensures the latest firmware and hardware combination, and therefore cannot be performed by the end user.
Will the NLE system I am currently using still be compatible once the upgrade is completed?
Your current set-up should continue to work, but JVC cannot guarantee compatibility with any 3rd party product.
If you have any editing compatibility questions, please contact your NLE vendor
Does my BR-HD50U need to be upgraded?
No, the upgrade does not affect the BR-HD50U.
Will I get my original camera returned to me, or just a 'refurbished' unit?
Once the upgrade is performed, your original camera will be returned to you. A sticker with the letter 'A' will be affixed to the bottom of the camera near the model number plate. (Extend the shoulder pad to view.)
I threw away my original packing. How should I pack it?
Remove the lens, viewfinder, microphone and SD cards, and put the lens mount cap on the camera prior to shipment to JVC.
JVC recommends that your camera be professionally packaged by an experienced shipping company, and insured for the full value of the camera.
JVC assumes no responsibility for damages to your camera that may occur during shipping.
Can I ship the camera for the upgrade in a shipping case?
Yes, and appropriate shipping case may be used.
I live in California. Can I bring the camera to the service center and wait while it's upgraded?
It depends on current workload. We recommend that you call customer service at 1-800-582-5825 in advance.
Who do I call to check on the progress of the upgrade?
Please call 1-800-582-5825 (1-800-JVC-JVC5) between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday EST.
Is there a way to track the status of my upgrade online?
The upgrade process should not affect your settings.
However, we recommend that you back up your settings on an SD memory card and removing it prior to sending in the camera.
I modified (or damaged) my camera. Can it still be upgraded?
It depends on the nature of the damage or modification
JVC cannot be responsible for performance impairment due to customer modifications or damage.
If an doubt, please talk to a customer service representative (1-800-582-5825)
My camera needs warranty service for specific problem(s). Will this be taken care of when I send it in for the upgrade?
The Cypress, California upgrade center is equipped to handle only upgrades under this program.
If your camera requires repair other than an upgrade, please contact JVC customer service at 1-800-582-5825 to arrange repair at the proper service facility. The “A” upgrade will be performed at the time of repair.
I got my camera back and didn't notice any performance improvement.
The upgrade does not affect the picture quality performance of the camera
I received a certificate for an IDX battery system as part of my purchase under a JVC promotion. However, the serial number on the certificate doesn't match the one on the GY-HD100U(A) that I received. Can I redeem it?
Yes. JVC exchanged dealer stock for upgraded models. Your dealer had been provided with certificates for the non-upgraded models.
We will honor the certificates when a upgraded model is purchased, even though the serial numbers don't match. Your proof of purchase of the upgraded model will provide us with the serial number.
All other terms and conditions of the promotion will still apply.
