Updating the firmware on your Harman Kardon BDS 570 helps resolve playback issues, improves system stability, and ensures compatibility with newer media formats. Because this is a legacy Blu-ray home theater system, updates are typically performed manually via Step 1: Verify Your Current Version
Before downloading anything, check if you actually need an update.
Turn on your BDS 570 and ensure there is no disc in the tray. Using the remote, go to System Information Note the current firmware version (e.g., v2.xx.xx). Step 2: Download the Firmware Visit the official Harman Kardon Support Page Search for in the search bar. Look for the Software & Manuals
section. If a newer version than yours is available, download the Important:
Ensure you download the correct regional version (e.g., EU vs. US) to avoid bricking the unit. Step 3: Prepare the USB Drive Use a USB flash drive (standard USB 2.0/3.0) formatted to Unzip the downloaded file on your computer. Copy the unzipped firmware files directly to the root directory of the USB drive. Do not put them in a folder. Step 4: Execute the Update Insert the USB drive into the front panel USB port of the BDS 570. Navigate to Software Update as the update source.
The system will detect the file. Confirm that you want to start the update.
Do not turn off the power or touch any buttons during this process. The system may restart automatically several times. Step 5: Confirmation
Once the update is complete, the system will return to the home screen or standby mode. Go back to System Information to verify that the version number has updated.
If the system doesn't recognize the USB, try a different drive (smaller capacities like 2GB or 4GB often work best for legacy hardware) and double-check that it is formatted to troubleshooting a specific error code, or are you looking for the latest version number currently available?
To update the firmware on your Harman Kardon BDS 570 , you should follow a structured process involving a USB drive and the system's internal settings menu. Keeping your firmware current can resolve issues like playback lagging, glitching, or poor sound quality. How to Update Your Harman Kardon BDS 570
The most reliable method for older BDS models like the 570 is a manual update via the front USB port. 1. Check Your Current Version
Before downloading files, see if you actually need an update: Turn on the BDS and your TV. button (house icon) on your remote. Navigate to (gear icon) > Information Note the software version displayed on the screen. 2. Prepare the USB Drive Visit the official Harman Kardon Support page or the specific software downloads section to find the latest firmware file for the Download the firmware package and extract the contents. Look for a folder named
and copy it directly to the root of a clean USB flash drive. 3. Run the Update Process Insert the USB drive into the on the front panel of the BDS 570. menu on your TV. System Upgrade when prompted for the update source.
The unit will search for the file and ask if you want to load it. Select to confirm. Important:
Do not turn off the power during the update. Once complete, the unit will automatically switch to 4. Post-Update Reset
To ensure the new software takes effect properly, Harman Kardon recommends a factory reset: Remove the USB stick and turn the unit back on. Restore Defaults Confirm with
. The unit will reset and guide you through the initial setup. Troubleshooting Tips Update Fails:
If the update doesn't take, try re-downloading the file or using a different USB stick. Ensure the "UPG" folder is at the top level of the drive and not inside another folder. Hardware Issues:
If the unit fails to turn on or exhibits erratic behavior after an update, try unplugging it for at least 1 hour, then hold the power button on the unit for 60 seconds while plugging it back in. region-free settings or how to troubleshoot specific HDMI connection issues with this model? BDS 270/BDS 570 | Harman Audio
To update the firmware on your Harman Kardon BDS 570 , you can use either a USB drive or an online update through the system menu. Because specific download links for the harman kardon bds 570 firmware update
are often region-specific, it is recommended to use the internal update tool first, as it connects directly to the server for the latest available version. Preparation
Check Current Version: Press the Home button on your remote, go to Settings > System > Information to see your current software version.
Back Up Settings: A firmware update often requires a factory reset afterward. Note down any specific speaker levels, network settings, or radio presets you have configured. Update via USB
Download and Prepare: Download the update file from the Harman Kardon Support
page for your specific region. Unzip the folder and copy the update files directly to the root directory of an empty, FAT32-formatted USB stick.
Initiate Update: Plug the USB drive into the port on the front of the
Navigate Menu: Press Home > Settings > System > System Upgrade.
Select USB: Choose the USB option. The unit will scan the drive and ask if you want to load the new software. Confirm with OK.
Wait for Completion: Do not turn off the unit during the process. Once finished, the unit will automatically switch to standby mode. Update via Internet Connect Network: Ensure your
is connected to your home network via an Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi.
Navigate Menu: Go to Home > Settings > System > System Upgrade.
Select Internet: Choose the Internet option. If a newer version is available, the system will prompt you to download and install it. Post-Update Reset
Harman Kardon recommends performing a factory reset after an update to ensure stability: Go to Home > Settings > System > Restore Defaults. Confirm by selecting OK.
After the reset, turn off the main power switch on the rear panel for at least 10 seconds before turning it back on. BDS 270/BDS 570 - Harman Kardon
To update the firmware on your Harman Kardon BDS 570 use either a wireless network connection USB flash drive Method 1: Wireless Update (Recommended)
If your unit is connected to the internet, you can update it directly through the on-screen menu: Connect to Network
: Ensure your BDS 570 is connected to your Wi-Fi or via an Ethernet cable. To set up Wi-Fi, go to the menu, select , and follow the prompts to enter your password. Navigate to Update : Press the button on your remote. Check for Updates : Navigate to Software Update Product Software ). If a new version is detected, select to begin the process. : Do not turn off the power until the update is complete. Method 2: USB Update If the unit cannot connect to the network, use a USB stick: Prepare USB FAT32-formatted USB drive. Download Firmware : Visit the official Harman Kardon Support Page and search for "BDS 570" to find the latest firmware file. Transfer File : Copy the firmware file to the root directory (not inside a folder) of your USB drive.
: Insert the USB drive into the front port of the BDS 570. Follow the on-screen prompts under Settings > System > Software Update to initiate the manual install. Harman Kardon Troubleshooting & Tips Failed Update
: If the update fails, try re-downloading the file, performing a Factory Reset , and removing power for 10 seconds before trying again. Check Current Version : To see your current firmware, go to Home > Settings > System > Information Factory Reset : If you need to reset the device to defaults, go to Home > Settings > System > Restore Defaults and confirm with Harman Kardon or troubleshoot a specific error code after the update? Harman Kardon Software Update Guide | PDF - Scribd Updating the firmware on your Harman Kardon BDS
REPORT: Harman Kardon BDS 570 Firmware Update
Date: October 26, 2023 Subject: Firmware Update Procedures, Availability, and Troubleshooting for the Harman Kardon BDS 570
The BDS 570 supports three update methods. USB is the most reliable.
The Harman Kardon BDS 570 remains a capable system for 1080p Blu-ray playback and 5.1 audio. However, its firmware update process is now a legacy procedure with no official support. Proceed with caution, use only verified files, and accept that a failed update may end the device’s life. For most users, the stable factory firmware is preferable to the marginal gains of a final patch.
Appendices available upon request: Screenshot guide of System Info menu, MD5 checksums for official firmware files, and link to AVS Forum BDS 570 master thread.
End of Report
Technical Guide: Harman Kardon BDS 570 Firmware Update Updating the firmware on a legacy Harman Kardon BDS 570 system is a critical maintenance task for ensuring hardware stability and resolving playback issues. This guide provides a structured overview of the update process, necessary prerequisites, and troubleshooting steps based on official Harman Kardon documentation. 1. Update Objectives Firmware updates for the BDS 570 series are designed to:
Enhance HDMI Compatibility: Resolve freezing issues when connected to modern television brands.
Audio Optimization: Fix playback bugs, such as ensuring center channel output for Blu-ray discs with 6.1-channel audio.
System Stability: Address general internal flash memory errors and software-related performance lags. 2. Update Methods
The BDS 570 supports two primary methods for applying firmware updates: Requirements USB Method
FAT32 formatted USB stick, update file from Harman Kardon Support Offline systems or troubleshooting Online Update Active Ethernet connection Quick, automated updates directly from the server 3. Step-by-Step USB Procedure
Preparation: Download the correct firmware file and extract it to the root directory of a standard USB memory stick.
Connection: Insert the USB stick into the front-panel USB port of the BDS 570.
Navigation: On the remote control, press Home > Settings > System > Software Upgrade.
Execution: Select USB as the source and follow the on-screen prompts. Do not power off the device during this process, as it may corrupt the internal flash memory. 4. Troubleshooting & Post-Update Care If the system becomes unresponsive or the update fails:
Power Cycle: Completely remove power from the unit for at least 10 seconds before attempting the update again.
System Reset: To clear residual software bugs after an update, perform a factory reset via Home > Settings > General Settings > System > Restore Defaults.
Re-download: Corrupted files often cause failures; ensure the download is fresh and the USB drive is not faulty. BDS 270/BDS 570 | Harman Audio End of Report Technical Guide: Harman Kardon BDS
Updating the Harman Kardon BDS 570 firmware is a process aimed at improving performance, fixing software bugs, and occasionally adding functionality to this 5.1-channel Blu-ray disc system. The Update Process
You can update your system using two primary methods as detailed in the official BDS Software Update Instructions Online Update (Recommended):
The most direct way is via the unit's built-in online update tool. Since it connects directly to Harman's servers, it typically accesses the latest software versions before they are even posted on the public website. USB Manual Update: Download the latest firmware file from the Harman Kardon Support Extract the downloaded files and load them onto a standard FAT32-formatted USB stick
Insert the USB stick into the front-panel USB port of the BDS 570 and follow the on-screen prompts to begin the flash process. Harman Audio Common Issues & Troubleshooting
Updating these legacy units can sometimes be finicky. Users often report the following: Stuck or Failed Updates: If the update fails, Harman Kardon Support recommends performing a factory reset
, removing power for at least 10 seconds, and then attempting the update again with a fresh download of the file. Region Code Limitations: Firmware updates generally do
unlock region restrictions. The BDS 570 remains region-locked for DVD and Blu-ray playback unless hardware-modified. Format Constraints:
Even with updates, the BDS 570 typically lacks support for modern lossless formats like FLAC or NTFS-formatted drives, which are common limitations for this generation of "Lifestyle" systems. JustAnswer Precautions Avoid Unauthorized Firmware:
Using unofficial or "hacked" firmware can void your warranty or permanently damage (brick) the device. Maintenance:
Ensure the unit is connected to a stable power source during the update. A power loss during the internal flash memory write can cause system failure. JustAnswer Are you currently facing a specific error code or is the system stuck on a splash screen during your update attempt?
Updating the firmware on your Harman Kardon BDS 570 can resolve performance issues, improve system stability, and occasionally add new features like updated app support or codec compatibility. Ways to Update Your Firmware
You can update your device either wirelessly or using a physical USB drive. Wireless Update (Recommended) Connect your BDS 570 to your home Wi-Fi via the Navigate to System Upgrade
. The device will automatically check for and download available updates from the Harman server. USB Update Download the latest firmware zip file from the Harman Kardon Support Site or official software download page.
Extract the contents and place the "UPG" folder onto the root of a standard USB memory stick. Insert the USB stick into the front panel port and select System Upgrade Harman Kardon | New Zealand Post-Update Best Practices Restore Defaults
: After any firmware update, Harman Kardon recommends navigating to Restore Defaults to ensure the new software runs cleanly. Troubleshooting
The most common complaint among BDS 570 owners is the dreaded “Disc Read Error.” Over time, the laser mechanism’s firmware algorithms become less efficient at decoding newer disc pressings. A firmware update refines the disc recognition table, allowing the unit to play DVDs and CDs that previously stalled or failed entirely.
Official Source (Legacy): Harman Kardon’s official product page is no longer actively hosted. The final firmware can sometimes be found via:
harmankardon.com/bds570).harman.com/software).Unofficial but reliable sources:
.bin update file..iso or USB package.⚠️ Avoid: Random file-sharing sites. Malicious firmware can permanently brick the device.
| Problem | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---------|--------------|----------|
| USB not recognized | Drive not FAT32, too large, or not USB 2.0 | Reformat to FAT32, use 8GB or 16GB drive |
| “Update file not found” | Wrong file name or file in folder | Rename to BDS570.bin and place in root |
| Update freezes at 99% | Corrupted download or power fluctuation | Redownload file. Restart unit (risk of brick). |
| After update, no sound | HDMI audio settings reset | Go to Settings > Audio > HDMI Audio Out > Amplifier |
| Region code error for Blu-ray | Firmware reset region settings | BDS 570 is region-locked; cannot change via firmware |
