Anthem AVM 20 hardware upgrade...how much does it really cost?

[buddha33]

I just received a demo AVM 20 with firmware v. 1.12 installed. In order to step up to the v2 software upgrades, I need to have the newer xx367 DSP installed. I called my Anthem dealer who said the DSP would be $300. I expected this. What I didn't expect was the "plus about an hour's worth of labor" charge. I asked if this would include installation of the latest firmware and the response was, "if there's time left over". Otherwise I'd be charged more or forced to do it myself.

So my question is did everybody else who needed the hardware upgrade pay the same labor charges I'm faced with? Anybody install the hardware themselves? Would this void the warranty?

[Dennis Oblow]

It should not cost any more than 300.00 Sounds like the dealer is overcharging you. My advice is send it to the factory, or find another dealer who values your buisness

[texaspledge]

It depends on whether you bought it from the same dealer I would say. The way you worded "received my Anthem 20" almost makes it sound like you bought it somewhere else. If you didn't buy it from them, asking you to pay for their time is more than resonable.

I just bought a B&K from online and called a local dealer to see if I could get the firmware upgraded. They had 0 interest because I hadn't bought it there. But, it's thier call.

Still though, having it done locally far outweighs the cost and time of shipping in my opinion. I wish I could do that.

[buddha33]

You guys hit the nail on the head. I purchased the demo unit from an authorized Anthem dealer on ebay. It was shipped 1,000 miles to my doorstep. Therefore, the local guy who I didn't purchase it from isn't doing cartwheels in order to help me.

I'd hate to send it to the factory knowing it could be weeks before it shows up again. Hmm. Guess I'll have to contact Anthem and see what kind of turn around time I"m looking at.

Thanks for the info.

[b curry]

The DSP upgrade is $300, the firmware/software is free and is a simple down load from Anthem. The information is [COLOR=Magenta]here[/COLOR] (http://www.anthemav.com/NewSitev2.0/AnthemProduct/AVM20/SoftwareUpdate/SoftwareUpdate.html). The DSP board and firmware/software can be installed in an hour or less.

I would figure about 3 weeks to turn it around from the factory.

I don't think Anthem will sell you the board direct; maybe a dealer will. I believe there is no warranty if you install yourself.

At this point you may want to wait, as there is another hardware upgrade in the works.

[buddha33]

[QUOTE=b curry]At this point you may want to wait, as there is another hardware upgrade in the works.[/QUOTE]

Are you kidding me?!?! What could possibly be the driver for another DSP upgrade? Do you have a link to any information on this?

[b curry]

It's a long thread, click [COLOR=Magenta]here[/COLOR] (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=458044).

The upgrade in is supposed to bring it close or equal to the AVM-30 plus video switching, HDMI, etc. Some discussion of the addition of video scaling. The D1 is also to be upgraded. Latest rumor is the D1 will become the AVM-50.

Enjoy the thread.

[buddha33]

Great info, Bob. Thanks.

[dsmith901]

AFAIK, there are no "authorized" Anthem dealers on eBay. You may want to check with Anthem to see if you have a warranty, since they do not allow mail order or internet sales of any kind.

[buddha33]

The sale was via a ma and pa shop (authorized Anthem dealer) who used ebay to sell one of their demo units. I received a store receipt for the transaction, so Anthem will not know the difference.

[clrv]

Bad call on that dealers part. If Anthem found out they could loose there franchise agreement with them.