996XT and 15X Announced!

[al95]

Thanks

Considering that Uniden recently offered up a firmware update for the BC246t (which is 5 years old) along with the BC796D (which is 6 years old) I think it is safe to say Uniden will still support the 396t/996t via software updates in the future. And I can't remember the last time I heard motorboating/digital decode errors on my 396XT.
Marshall KE4ZNR

When was the last time you heard motorboating if any in your new BCD369XT? BTW thanks for telling me that Uniden will still support the BCD396T and the BCD996T once their discontinued.

 

[JGP]

Not if you read this line again: "They've stated they will not license it for scanner/receiver use."

Yes, I get the point, and I'm not holding my breath waiting for the license to get approved.

Maybe something new and better will come along that we all can scan. I like to dream. :lol:

 

[al95]

Why release an update when they can just release a new line of scanners and have us spend $500 all over again? :lol:

You got a point there.

 

[al95]

What ever happen to the payware updates? Did that whole idea just fade away. The new scanners are coming so I guess pyrofallout is correct.

Note: I'll still keep my 996T even if I get a XT.

I have ask this question and no one have been able to answer me. What happen to the pay updates upman? If you can answer us for the BCD396T that we where told on the ESN checksum update.

 

[al95]

This has been discussed at length before...a good number of the new features in the XT series of radios could NOT be added via firmware update to the existing 396t and 996t line of radios.
Marshall KE4ZNR

There might be some features that can be added to this scanner(BCD396t and the BCD996T) not all of them.You seem to know everthing. Why can't this radios be updated? Sorry for posting many times.

 

[W4ELL]

I have ask this question and no one have been able to answer me. What happen to the pay updates upman? If you can answer us for the BCD396T that we where told on the ESN checksum update.

From: http://www.radioreference.com/forums/uniden-scanners/98491-updates-coming.html

-Quote:
As we create new firmware loads for your scanner, we sometimes use information licensed to us by third parties. For those updates, we need to keep careful track of which scanners do and don’t include the update. We might also need to charge for some of these updates in the future, but don’t worry, I’ll make sure that any for-pay update has features you’ll be glad to pay for. Oh, and this first major update is free!
-

Looks to me like he said they *might* need to charge for updates in the future. There was never a guarantee or promise to add any feature whatsoever. The ESN updates simply made it possible to keep track of these updates, should they choose to offer them. Uniden hasn't charged you for any updates so you are out nothing more than your original purchase price.

I am not saying that there will never be any paid updates... I am just saying there was never a guarantee of any.

I don't expect Uniden to be able to keep all my older scanners *updated* with the latest features. It is just not economically feasible for Uniden to do so... not to mention technologically impossible in most cases.

 

[K5RYA]

not to mention technologically impossible in most cases.

Several have made this notion in here already, none have yet to post up any evidence. It seems something the group gps feature that will be on the 996xt would be no issue to include in a update for the 996t. the 996t can already do it for systems so the hardware and interface is there, it is simply a matter of software. if uniden can released updates such as v2 that bring new features like a p25 waiting time menu and volume and squelch level display or like in v1.03 where they added compatibility for the remote head it sure seems like it would be easily possible to bring the group gps feature to the 996t via an update.

Hell, I even said I would pay for it, but $500 for a whole new device and my 996t becomes lesser technology that just isn't capable because someone would rather release a whole new model then provide existing loyal customers with an upgrade option? Seriously?

 

[torontokris]

I think I answered already (maybe it was another thread)...
I think it was something Uniden was going to do, or test out, but never did it.. least not yet.

UpMan had said something to that effect a bit ago, if I find the actual post ill copy n paste it.

I have ask this question and no one have been able to answer me. What happen to the pay updates upman? If you can answer us for the BCD396T that we where told on the ESN checksum update.

 

[W4ELL]

Several have made this notion in here already, none have yet to post up any evidence.

I'm not sure what "evidence" you seek.

Ultimately, Uniden makes the decision to release a feature update based on several criteria... not just the ability of the hardware. I'd say the cost of developing new features/firmware on a 3+ year old scanner, in an economic downturn, is a huge factor. Companies have had to make major adjustments to their business models and strategies have changed drastically in the past 8 months. When Uniden mentioned possible paid upgrades just over a year ago, I am sure their strategy looked much different than it does today.

Most importantly, I don't understand the notion of purchasing a product with a set list of features and then having some expectation that you are entitled to the addition of newer features... as they become available on newer models.

Uniden has us all spoiled with feature additions/updates... I think some of us lose sight of how good things really are.

 

[KE4ZNR]

Blast you Scanmikey for your well reasoned and insightful remarks! :wink:
Don't ya know you are supposed to whine, cry, and fly off the handle!
In the words of Mel Brooks in Blazing Saddles: "Harumph, Harumph, Harumph!" :lol:
And to add to the comments below I am just happy that any company out there is still supporting 5 year old products such as updates for the 246t.
Have a great Friday!
Marshall KE4ZNR

I'm not sure what "evidence" you seek.

Ultimately, Uniden makes the decision to release a feature update based on several criteria... not just the ability of the hardware. I'd say the cost of developing new features/firmware on a 3+ year old scanner, in an economic downturn, is a huge factor. Companies have had to make major adjustments to their business models and strategies have changed drastically in the past 8 months. When Uniden mentioned possible paid upgrades just over a year ago, I am sure their strategy looked much different than it does today.

Most importantly, I don't understand the notion of purchasing a product with a set list of features and then having some expectation that you are entitled to the addition of newer features... as they become available on newer models.

Uniden has us all spoiled with feature additions/updates... I think some of us lose sight of how good things really are.

 

[DaveIN]

I'm not sure what "evidence" you seek.

Ultimately, Uniden makes the decision to release a feature update based on several criteria... not just the ability of the hardware. I'd say the cost of developing new features/firmware on a 3+ year old scanner, in an economic downturn, is a huge factor. Companies have had to make major adjustments to their business models and strategies have changed drastically in the past 8 months. When Uniden mentioned possible paid upgrades just over a year ago, I am sure their strategy looked much different than it does today.

Most importantly, I don't understand the notion of purchasing a product with a set list of features and then having some expectation that you are entitled to the addition of newer features... as they become available on newer models.

Uniden has us all spoiled with feature additions/updates... I think some of us lose sight of how good things really are.

Well said, however don't forget that the competition can also decide if a firmware upgrade will benefit sales of a current model radio or if an new feature set in a new model will sell better. If you can come out with a new feature or two in a firmware update you can change it as it comes off the assembly line and it sells itself. It looks like Uniden has taken the high road this time with the XT series. Let's see what the answer will be.

 

[K5RYA]

Well said, however don't forget that the competition can also decide if a firmware upgrade will benefit sales of a current model radio or if an new feature set in a new model will sell better. If you can come out with a new feature or two in a firmware update you can change it as it comes off the assembly line and it sells itself. It looks like Uniden has taken the high road this time with the XT series. Let's see what the answer will be.

People will be more apt to buy something they know will receive feature upgrades in the future, vs thinking that down the road some new software feature that they want will be available but, oh, they have to go buy a entire new device, and their previous $500 device just becomes outdated technology. Thinking that a product should not be improved and what is released is done is old logic, that may have been the way of the past, but in electronics in general, this is not the mindset of the majority of manufactures out there. They know that customers are more willing to spend the money and be happy with something that will last and still be up to date on technology. If another manufacturer does it and Uniden does not want to, then they will take the hit for it.

FWIW, my phone gets updates almost monthly, my computer OS gets updates nearly weekly, my camera gets updates, my motherboard gets updates, I could go on and on. Scanmikey, I hear what your saying loud and clear, I just don't buy it. Not releasing updates and providing continued support and improvement for your product in this day and age is a losing business model.

I would be interested in tearing down a 996XT when it comes out just to see the actual hardware differences between the two, I am not talking about some fancy black face either, I want know down to the board, how much has seriously changed, from the looks of the expected feature set I would be willing to bet not a whole lot.

 

[DaveIN]

Even though I keep reading that sensitivity and selectivity is much improved in some areas for some users, I suspect that the RF circuitry has not been changed too much, but the DSP may have been upgraded for the new XT models allowing for better decoding and error correction. Don't forget the improvements in memory capacity for the DMA as well.

 

[KE4ZNR]

Thinking that a product should not be improved and what is released is done is old logic, that may have been the way of the past, but in electronics in general, this is not the mindset of the majority of manufactures out there. They know that customers are more willing to spend the money and be happy with something that will last and still be up to date on technology.

Not releasing updates and providing continued support and improvement for your product in this day and age is a losing business model.

Steve Jobs would disagree with you
Apple keeps coming out with new versions of the Iphone while the current ones still work. Sure Apple releases some updates but if you want all the features of the newest Iphone you must purchase a new handset.
And I don't think Apple has what you would call a "losing business model".
Marshall KE4ZNR

 

[K5RYA]

Steve Jobs would disagree with you
Apple keeps coming out with new versions of the Iphone while the current ones still work. Sure Apple releases some updates but if you want all the features of the newest Iphone you must purchase a new handset.
And I don't think Apple has what you would call a "losing business model".
Marshall KE4ZNR

lol, funny you mention iPhone. Actually, as far as software enhancements go every update Apple releases provides the same feature set to all iPhones, the only exception is the features which rely on hardware that the previous model doesn't physically have, such as a a2dp compatible bluetooth controller, or a gps receiver, or a 3g cellular modem, ect. :wink:

what i am referring to in the situation with uniden scanners does not involve the difference between a bigger memory chip, or a digital decoder vs a analog decoder, it is simply (or at least very much would appear so) to be a matter of software changes.

 

[DaveIN]

lol, funny you mention iPhone. Actually, as far as software enhancements go every update Apple releases provides the same feature set to all iPhones, the only exception is the features which rely on hardware that the previous model doesn't physically have, such as a a2dp compatible bluetooth controller, or a gps receiver, or a 3g cellular modem, ect. :wink:

what i am referring to in the situation with uniden scanners does not involve the difference between a bigger memory chip, or a digital decoder vs a analog decoder, it is simply (or at least very much would appear so) to be a matter of software changes.

OT: And Apple will charge for the firmware update and a nextgen iPhone...

The memory and DSP update can not be done by a firmware update unless the PCB and chipset already support it. So no ala-cart firmware can be installed for pay as you go or free update with the "classic" models.

 

[K5RYA]

OT: And Apple will charge for the firmware update and a nextgen iPhone...

The memory and DSP update can not be done by a firmware update unless the PCB and chipset already support it. So no ala-cart firmware can be installed for pay as you go or free update with the "classic" models.

You have your information wrong. Apple has not and will not charge for updates to the iPhone. They charge for updates for the iPod Touch, as this is a device that is not generating service revenue such as the iPhone.

Like I and other have said, we have no issue paying for periodical updates to bring new features to our scanners, it's having to buy a whole new device when we don't technologically have to.

 

[DaveIN]

You have your information wrong. Apple has not and will not charge for updates to the iPhone. They charge for updates for the iPod Touch, as this is a device that is not generating service revenue such as the iPhone.

OT: OK, the Apple iBeta was $99 or $299 depending on the program you choose

Like I and other have said, we have no issue paying for periodical updates to bring new features to our scanners, it's having to buy a whole new device when we don't technologically have to.

Exactly, your choice is buy it, or not. I sold mine and I plan to purchase a new one with updated features, more memory, and a new DSP. Now the completion will do A. update their firmware, B. come out with a new model, and maybe C. do both.

 

[K5RYA]

OT: OK, the Apple iBeta was $99 or $299 depending on the program you choose

Again, you are misinformed. There is no such thing as an iBeta. The Apple Dev Program costs $99 (standard) or $299 (enterprise) if you wish to develop applications for the iPhone and publish them in the AppStore. There is no public beta, you can't ask to be a part of 3.0 because you wanna pay and get the features early. The beta's of 3.0 is simply released to devs so that they may work to develop their software now to be compatible with 3.0 when it is released. Hell half of the new features in 3.0 still are not activated, the beta is useless to the average consumer.

Again there is not any charge whatsoever for software updates to the iPhone.

Your arguing with the wrong guy when it comes to iPhone stuff.

Exactly, your choice is buy it, or not. I sold mine and I plan to purchase a new one with updated features, more memory, and a new DSP. Now the completion will do A. update their firmware, B. come out with a new model, and maybe C. do both.

Your are absolutley correct. Except you left out the part where we are perfectly just in voicing are opinion in the matter regardless of whether we buy the new product or not. But FWIW I have started looking into other options recently and just purchased a pro-197. We will see how things work out. :wink:

 

[MarkB513]

Volume Offset Feature

I know this is a bit OFF TOPIC from the current IPhone discussion, but... !!!

Does anyway have any information on how well the volume offset feature actually works? I'm wondering if you can hear the scanner correcting itself (the volume level that is) when it stops on an active frequency or talk group similar to the analog AGC. I don't make use of the analog AGC for this reason. I do know there are several narrow high band frequencies with low audio that I would like to individually set. Maybe someone with one of the XT portables can shed some light on this?