Gonk, the AVS forum does have an Onkyo firmware update page and has the latest FW and DSP updates on the first page.

The main FW is 1.4 and it is somewhat easy to do. Yes, the 990 was easy to update the FW, but I thought the Onkyo was actually a little easier as long as you have a PC or laptop with a RS 232 plug OR you have a USB/RS232 cable (I bought one from monoprice).

The DSP update is very simple. Burn the image to a CD and hook up a optical cable from your CD (or DVD) player to Optical #1 on the 886 and play it.

I have read that page (and a lot of the 111 pages that follow!) and while there are some nuggets of advice to be had, there are also lots and lots of warnings.

As I said, it would be really nice if someone could compile a list of what these firmware and DSP updates actually do; what problems do they solve and what features do they add. It would then make it much easier to decide whether to take the risk of doing them - or not. If anyone knows of such a list I'd appreciate a pointer to it.

Thanks.

Agreed. I emailed Onkyo asking about the FW and DSP updates. i was told its not public info. I replied with my displeasure at that response after spending a lot of money, especially when other mfgrs make it a very easy process to update thier products.

I was able to do mine fairly easily.

This just received from Onkyo Product Support (after several exchanges of emails)in response to my question: "What firmware etc. upgrades are available for my 886, what do these upgrades change / fix, and how can I arrange to download and install them?": "Unless you are experiencing any issues there are no updates needed for the PR-SC886."

Which of course begs the question (which I won't bother to ask since I expect a similar no-help response): how do I know if I'm experiencing an issue or not, missing some functionality or not, etc. if they don't present themselves as obvious?

Or how about: "You've gone through the trouble of developing updated firmware etc. Why are you being so secretive in not telling your customers about it?"

I contrast this "support" with a piece of software that I licensed a couple of years ago. I get a regular update from the company, with a detailed explanation as to what bugs it fixes and/or improvements it contains, for free, without having to ask for it.

Yep, this is one reason why I don't recommend Onkyo gear to people anymore. Their poor customer support and sub par quality control have taken a huge toll on the brand.

As for updating firmware, yeah, even on the flagship RDC-7.1 preamp I would have to send it to one of their support depots (nearest one is in Denver, I believer) to get it updated. How ridiculous is that?

I'm waiting patiently for the 997. Sale of the RDC-7.1 will be more than enough to cover the purchase.

I don't get Outlaw selling Onkyo on their site. I don't care about the deals.
"I want my 997"

When I try to download the Outlaws guide to the 886, the Outlaw site gives me a user ID and password. The next screen asks for the username and password but doesn't accpet it. Is there something I am missing. I tried my Saloon login IDs and that didn't work either. Any suggestions?

Never mind!! I was missing a letter in my password

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Here is some 'tech junkie' info for ethernet and RS232 interface control of the 886.

Once you have connected an ethernet cable to your 886 and you know the network (IP) address that your DHCP server assigned the 886, or you assigned manually through the hardware setup menu, you put that IP into your browser's address line and open an HTML interface page onboard the 886.

For those of you who may be new to this idea it will seem VERY cool.

HERE is an .xls document with all of the control codes listed for the various modes. You'll need to have a MS Office compatible spreadsheet reader installed to view it. Enjoy!