!!! RECIVA HAS NOW CLOSED THE BETA FIRMWARE PROGRAMME !!! (November 2012)
What's the beta programme about?
Warning: The beta firmware does not support the newer Wi-Fi chips fitted in some more recent radios and wireless operation will be lost. If the radio does not also have a wired ethernet port then the radio will be rendered useless and retrieval of the situation by yourself will be difficult at best and impossible at worst. Before proceeding, check what firmware the radio is already using by going to Configure (or Settings in later firmwares), then Version and scrolling to Service Pack. If the string begins with v265 or higher, then check the Wi-Fi device type by going to Settings, Network Config, View Config and scroll to Network Device. If neither rt73 nor zd1211 is shown, then the radio's Wi-Fi will not work with the beta firmware.
The beta programme was initiated by Reciva to provide new firmware on a trial basis to users who signed up for testing.
The programme appears to be available to all users. You need to be logged in at the Reciva site for the following link to work:
https://www.reciva.com/beta (Note - link no longer works)
The beta firmware has added and enabled testing some new features across all the radios - for example, new menu options, such as My History (recently listened-to stations), a software-based equaliser, transport controls for ASF delivered WMA content (e.g. BBC On Demand) etc.
It is quite possible that a beta firmware release will include a facility that has an unexpected side-effect on some radios.
Therefore it is usually a good idea to see if someone else has already successfully installed a particular firmware release on the same radio. A good way to check this is to take a look through the beta section within the Reciva forum or the Sharpfin wiki (![[WWW]](http://wikispot.org/wiki/eggheadbeta/img/sycamore-www.png){kind=small}
http://www.pschmidt.it/sharpfin/index.php?title=Main_Page). If everybody followed this advice then no-one would ever install new beta firmware - so rest assured that there are people who are less risk averse than you!
Once signed up for the beta programme - you can enable it for individual radios via https://radios.reciva.com After enabling it the "check for new firmware" function at the radio looks for the current beta version rather than the specific standard firmware for that model.
Reverting to the last official software release can be done by unsubscribing the device from the beta programme (clear the checkbox in the "radios" site) and then checking for new firmware from the radio. It should then determine that the last official firmware is not the same at the firmware that is currently installed and perform a downgrade. This may also perform a factory reset requiring connection details to be re-entered.
The May 2010 terms of the beta programme:
Terms and conditions for Reciva Beta Firmware Programme
- The firmware versions provided under this programme are provided on an "as is" basis with no warranty. Reciva accepts no liability for the correct functioning of this firmware or from any consequential loss or damage resulting from its use.
- Support for beta firmware will be provided solely through the dedicated "Beta testers" forum on the Reciva website. Neither Reciva nor its partners will respond to enquiries relating to the beta programme by any other means.
- Beta firmware releases will be provided at Reciva's sole discretion. Individual firmware releases, or the entire beta programme, may be withdrawn at any time and without notice.
- Some radio models or features may be unsupported, in whole or in part, by the beta firmware. Reciva makes no guarantee that the beta firmware will be a suitable replacement for the production firmware on any model of radio.
- Beta firmware releases may include experimental features, or those not intended for commercial distribution. The implementation of any given feature in a beta release does not constitute a commitment to deliver this feature in a commercial release for the same or any other radio.
- Beta software may include features for which the radio manufacturer may decline to provide warranty service or technical support.
- Reciva welcomes feedback and suggestions from beta testers. However, Reciva shall be under no obligation to act on any such requests.
Note: Installation of beta firmware may invalidate your radio warranty. Please check the terms and conditions provided by your vendor.
Please check the boxes below to indicate your agreement to the terms and then click "Continue".
I agree to the general terms and conditions set out above
I understand that installation of the beta firmware is carried out at my own risk
I give my permission for Reciva to pass my details to the manufacturer of my radio(s). I understand that the radio manufacturer may decline to provide warranty service or other support for any unit which has been enrolled in the beta firmware programme
The April 2008 terms of the beta programme were:
Terms and conditions for Reciva Beta Firmware Programme
- The firmware versions provided under this programme are provided on an "as is" basis with no warranty. Reciva accepts no liability for the correct functioning of this firmware or from any consequential loss or damage resulting from its use.
- Support for beta firmware will be provided solely through the Reciva website forums. You agree not to approach your radio manufacturer, retailer or distributor for support relating to beta firmware versions.
- Beta firmware releases will be provided at Reciva's sole discretion. Individual firmware releases, or the entire beta programme, may be withdrawn at any time and without notice.
- Beta firmware releases may include experimental features, or those not intended for commercial distribution. The implementation of any given feature in a beta release does not constitute a commitment to deliver this feature in a commercial release for the same or any other radio.
Note: Installation of beta firmware may invalidate your radio warranty. Please check the terms and conditions provided by your vendor.