View Full Version : The D2 is giving me a headache
Lastemp3ror
05-06-2007, 10:36
I have had my 4 gig D2 for about 3 weeks now and I am not too happy. Here are some of the problems I came across:
1. This morninng my D2 couldn't get out of the start up screen. I had to reset it several times and then finally I got into it, to only find out that all of my songs were deleted!
2. Sometimes my computer doesn't even recognize it when I plug it in.
3. When and if my computer recognizes the D2, it rarely recognizes the SD card. So I can only sometimes organize the songs on my SD via the computer.
And although the touch screen would make you think that the player is easy to use, I can list many things that make this player not too user friendly. For example, I don't see any album art when I am playing songs, songs are being played out of order, lack of multiple playlists, and no rating system. I know I can get around some of this stuff by doing research on this forum but why should I go through so much? Why did Cowon put out such a faulty player? Cowon can't even get their own support right! Why do I have download firmware from cowonglobal.com and not cowonamerica.com? Why can't both sites have the same firmware upgrade? Overall, I think I spent more time trying to research solutions for this product then actually enjoying this product.
Don't get me wrong, I love so many things about the D2 as well. I love the touch screen, the sound quality, and the SD card expansion. I even own one of the older Cowon players, but I can honestly say that this player has given me more headaches than happy moments. [surrend]
What firmware are you running?
How is you album art put into your files? is it embedded or as a cover.jpg?
What format do you use?
How do you browse your music?
Cowonamerica, as far as I know, and in general it is the consensus here, suck.
i agree wot u are saying but somethings do need a little research/time to get things working. It like buying a computer, when u first turn it on u spend ages getting it the way u want it to, installing software, drivers etc. It would be a good idea to name wot fw you are using so we can help you.
1. some times the start up screen takes some time to load, if you have put new files in the device or played with the note pad feature in the new fw.
2. are there any drivers on the cd that you can put on your computer?
3. D2 is not compatable with all SD cards, wot make/model is your card? have you tried lookin in the forums to see which cards do/do not work.
You dont see album art?, is the album art embedded into the music file or a seperate cover.jpg file. What do you mean by songs playing out of order? im assuming your trying to play a album of music, are your files labled 01, 02, 03 etc so that the D2 can recongise them in order. If your browsing in ID3 mode are all your tags correct?
We are all awaiting multiple playlists. If the player was faulty it wouldent play music files, aint that the main point of the D2. Cowon Global is one of their main sites, hence they update that site more often. Wot difference does it make having to visit global rather then america. American website has never been any gd.
1. This morninng my D2 couldn't get out of the start up screen. I had to reset it several times and then finally I got into it, to only find out that all of my songs were deleted!
2. Sometimes my computer doesn't even recognize it when I plug it in.
3. When and if my computer recognizes the D2, it rarely recognizes the SD card. So I can only sometimes organize the songs on my SD via the computer.
All 3 of these problems sound like it's USB-related. If you have too many USB devices attached to the computer, or if you're not using the rear USB ports on the computer, or if you're using a USB hub that doesn't have an AC adapter (to provide more power to connected devices) then you'll often have these symptoms.
If your D2 doesn't always show up as a storage device, that's the first sign. If you start transferring files to the player, it'll often be corrupted, and the D2 will have problems starting up - such as hanging on the loading screen, or freezing up during playback, or even not wanting to turn on at all.
One easy way to test this out is to plug your D2 into any other computers you have access to. Connect and disconnect it a couple of times on each computer. If it shows up as a storage device each time, then those computers would be the best ones to use for transferring files and/or flashing firmwares. If the D2 shows the same problem where it doesn't always show up as a storage device, I'd try flashing the firmware.
Hope this helps, but I'm just going by feel - it's what I would do [biggrin]
no responses??? well that sucks
in_flames
05-07-2007, 08:02
¬¬
Lazy dude.
Lastemp3ror
05-07-2007, 10:50
Thanks for all of the responses.
Kael:
The problem may be USB related but I never have too many things plugged in. I did just buy a hub but it has not shipped yet and the fact that it doesn't have it's own AC adapter is starting to concern me.
Could the problem be that I am connecting it to a Mac some days, and to a PC on others? I noticed the amount of problems that I had escalated when I got my Mac.
Regardless, the fact that I can only use certain computers to transfer files is hilarious. I know you are trying to be helpful, and I greatly appreciate it but, come on, Cowon needs to get their act together if I am going to have a problem when I connect it to several computers. [thumbdwn]
Dominc:
I am running 2.41 on my D2. Should I be using something different?
I am assuming the album art is embedded because when I open the folders I don't see seperate files as .jpg, just the songs.
I browse my music with the "music list" button. The one that allows you to view it like you would view folders on your computer
Addz:
1. My D2 never takes more then 10 seconds to load up from the start up screen. When this problem was occuring I waited close to a minute before reseting it. If it is going to take over one minute to load at all times, then Cowon needs to get out of the business.
2. I am not sure what your question is. Do I have a cd in my computer with drivers on it, while I have my D2 plugged in? If that is the questions, then I may have at the time. Is that the problem?
3. My SD card is ADATA SDHC 8GB card. It must be somewhat compatible since it does get recognized on my Dell laptop most of the time, but on my computer at work and my Macbook it doesn't sometimes. If the card isn't compatible then maybe the manual should say so?
Also, it does matter that one of their websites is more updated than the other. If I were a person who doesn't go to forums for help and went to cowonamerica.com (since I live in america), and downloaded faulty firmware I would be pissed. If they are willing to have two websites up, then should also be willing to update both sites.
In Flames:
Sorry for responding within 24 hours. Some people have stuff to do on the weekends. You are flaming me without helping?? Are you lazy? [confused]
As of right now, when I plug in my D2 into my work computer, the files on the device are showing up, but not the ones on the SD card. Also, when I try to play songs from the D2, it still doesn't have any files.
Overall, even if I can resolve these problems through this forum or not, Cowon needs to get their act together. Not everyone that uses their products have the time or want to spend the time to get their BRAND NEW player to work properly. Don't even get me started on the D2 manual [cursing]
Thanks for help
it shouldnt be the mac/pc problem because i use it interchangeably between the 2 platforms. and i have yet to encounter any problems. my pc is like 5 yrs old (p4/xp) and i have an ibook that is several yrs. and i've been using a generic hub when hooked to my ibook but hooked directly to my pc. and use several different sd cards from 1-8 gb with 2 of them sdhc. and all are recognized.
oh, im using current stable fw 2.41.
so it maybe you do have some sort of usb problem. because my beloved rio karma cant be recognized by my pc anymore. i can access at any other computer like at work or cousins house but not at my home pc anymore.
or u could have a faulty d2.
Lastemp3ror
05-07-2007, 12:47
The more I think about, the more I think that my D2 is messed up. Any other opinions or advice?
I've one other question, what music format are you using?
Could you please try doing a test.
Add a folder to your d2 (with music in it of course :D better make that newly ripped, album artless music.) to that folder add picture, it doesn't have to be the album art...just a jpeg. Rename the jpeg "cover". Play the music on the D2 and see if the cover appears
Lastemp3ror
05-07-2007, 13:17
Dominic I will try that once the music shows up on my D2 [cursing]. I will try to add music once I get home, but to be honest, album art at this point is the very least of my worries. But thanks for the response.
ok mate. If a full firmware restore does not solve your issues then I'll concede and agree that you do indeed have a faulty D2, In which case I do feel for you.
Keep us informed please.
thanks,
Dominic.
^ agree.
if load time is taking long + sometimes your computer dont recongise + sd doesent sometimes recongise it usually aint one simple problem.
the Q abt drivers on a Cd. cowon provided a cd with the D2, i think it contains drivers for the D2, maybe you could check that out.
out of interest have you tried pluggin the D2 into another computer/laptop. maybe we can elimate the fact that its not the USB ports on your computer.
Lastemp3ror
05-07-2007, 15:19
It is recognized by all of my computers right now. I think the main problem now is that the D2 player does not recognize the mp3's within it. But when I plug it into the computer all of the songs are shown within the D2. I will contact cowon right now and see what they have to say. I will keep everyone informed.[unsure]
You could also take the computer you are having issues with and boot it up with a Linux LiveCD (such as ubuntu) and try that out. In Ubuntu, if you plug in the D2 (assuming MSC mode), Ubuntu will just pop open a folder with the contents of your D2 showing.
If you did that test, it would prove/disprove a software problem...
good luck!
It is recognized by all of my computers right now. I think the main problem now is that the D2 player does not recognize the mp3's within it. But when I plug it into the computer all of the songs are shown within the D2. I will contact cowon right now and see what they have to say. I will keep everyone informed.[unsure]
Yes please do, I know we'll all try and help you out...
I would really try a firmware upgrade at this point [yes]
Whatever you do, good luck! I hope the D2 is working soon [biggrin]
Lastemp3ror
05-08-2007, 09:21
Ok so I installed 2.45b and I am still having the same problem. All of my songs are still within the D2 but the D2 does not recognize it. So basically if I attach it to my computer I see all the songs there, within the player, but when I disconnect and start the player on its own, there are no songs. I have also submitted a ticket with Cowon.
At this point, I am unsure of what to do. I really like this player but I am not sure if I should ask for a refund (possible?) or just ask for a replacement. The reason I am torn is that I feel like once the people at Cowon figure out all the bugs this will be a great player. The problem is that they are releasing new firmware by the second and people are still finding issues. By nature I am a very impatient person and I don't like waiting, and the fact that I can't contact Cowon by phone doesn't help either. [cursing]
Any other advice? Btw this is a great community. I would hate to leave it, since everyone seems so helpful [cry] [biggrin]
GSV3MiaC
05-08-2007, 10:24
Ok so I installed 2.45b and I am still having the same problem. All of my songs are still within the D2 but the D2 does not recognize it.
Dumb question maybe, but are all the songs in the /music folder on the D2?
I'm not sure if the D2 requires that (my G3 for instance ain't that picky) but some players are fussy about where files are put.
PM me your email and I'll send you some files that definitely work for me :D
Lastemp3ror
05-08-2007, 11:06
Yes, my files are under the music folder. Ar you suggesting that I should not have it under that folder?
As soon as 1 file hasn't got the right format all the other files in a compatible format can disappear. I had this problem when I put a 700 Mb. avi file in 750.600 or so on the disk. The effect was that all of my files disappeared on the cowon, I had to remove the file and place a new compatible one. the same happened when I put an ape file on the 2.41 ( in 2.45 you can play ape without problems).
The issue is: 1 wrong file can mess up the players entire internal database.
My advice: track very large files and/or files that do not have the right format for 2.45 and remove them from the device.
Second advice: compare writing results: OS(Cowonplayer (SDcard)) or OS(cowonplayer + SDcard)
Third advice: files with ':' or '-' in one of the fields will not be displayed using id3 tagged browsing.
GSV3MiaC
05-08-2007, 11:30
Nope, I was suggesting that's where they probably need to be (for some players anyway). If that's where they are then it obviously isn't the problem.
Time for more experiments then - add some of the 'known good' tracks you have been offered, try some .wma or .ogg files, try adding some of the missing .mp3 files again ... just to get some more facts about what does/doesn't work.
If it's only .mp3s then I guess it is some tagging related dumbness on the part of the firmware. If it is affecting everything, including new additions, then ..??..
'The nuclear option' would be to reformat the player and see if you can get it to work right from there.
email sent, hope they work
Lastemp3ror
05-08-2007, 12:49
As soon as 1 file hasn't got the right format all the other files in a compatible format can disappear. I had this problem when I put a 700 Mb. avi file in 750.600 or so on the disk. The effect was that all of my files disappeared on the cowon, I had to remove the file and place a new compatible one. the same happened when I put an ape file on the 2.41 ( in 2.45 you can play ape without problems).
The issue is: 1 wrong file can mess up the players entire internal database.
My advice: track very large files and/or files that do not have the right format for 2.45 and remove them from the device.
Second advice: compare writing results: OS(Cowonplayer (SDcard)) or OS(cowonplayer + SDcard)
Third advice: files with ':' or '-' in one of the fields will not be displayed using id3 tagged browsing.
Your first two advices intrigue me. Although, I have no idea what you mean by the second advice [unsure] haha. I will try deleting all of the tracks on my D2 and putting one of the ones Dominic sent me.
Lastemp3ror
05-08-2007, 13:10
Well I deleted every song I have on my D2 and only put one song back in it to test one of your theories, and it didn't work. I think it is safe to say my D2 is dead. RIP
Well I deleted every song I have on my D2 and only put one song back in it to test one of your theories, and it didn't work. I think it is safe to say my D2 is dead. RIP
After writing your file to the cowon, do you remove the cowon directly or do you wait? If you remove physically without unmounting, you're into some trouble. Wait until ' It is now safe to...'
Advice 2: do you plug it in when it's pregnant or do you plug in the sd card seperately??
Lastemp3ror
05-08-2007, 13:45
I remove it directly, without waiting. I have never had a problem with it before. I also plug it in pregnant.
We've actually had a thread discussing the "safely remove hardware" debate, check it out here http://iaudiophile.net/forums/showthread.php?t=14492
Lastemp3ror
05-08-2007, 14:20
So I just got off live chat with cowonamerica.com and they asked me to install 2.41b. Although I was very skeptical, I did it. The weird thing is that it now works, but the start up screen is still showing 2.45b! haha[laugh] I am not complaining however, I am just happy to get the thing to work again. I just hope this problem doesn't repeat itself. Thanks for all of the help:jamming: [biggrin]
.....weird.....
congratulations though i guess....
funny you mentioned that connecting to a mac and a pc would mess things up. i use a pc but today i plugged into a friends mac to give them some music. after i unpluged my player there were no music or files at all. but they were still on the player iteslf. i will try to install the 2.41b and see if that works
yeah, i've had that issue, so i've stopped using my mac with my d2.... it seems to be the problem causer.
Lastemp3ror
05-09-2007, 08:56
I can't believe that others are having the same problem. The solution shouldn't be that we should stop using a certain computer just so the D2 doesn't mess up. The solution should be that Cowon fixes this problem. I firmly believe that Cowon released the D2 without testing it enough, which in my mind was a huge mistake. From now on I will not buy any of their new products without it being on the market for awhile.
i think its something to do with the way the mac operates.... but i'm not big into computers so I don't know enough to say that its the .trashes fault :D
Lastemp3ror
05-09-2007, 09:24
I am not sure who's fault it is but I would assume Apple have bigger fish to fry when it comes to fixing bugs. Cowon is probably pretty low on their radar. I would think Cowon needs to accomodate Mac users not vice versa. Besides if the D2 doesn't work on the Mac, Cowon is gonna lose many customers off the bat.
I dunno who's at fault here, I guess Cowon got it wrong. It seems to work most times but occasionally it doesn't, so I don't use my mac with the D2.
Lastemp3ror
05-09-2007, 09:40
funny you mentioned that connecting to a mac and a pc would mess things up. i use a pc but today i plugged into a friends mac to give them some music. after i unpluged my player there were no music or files at all. but they were still on the player iteslf. i will try to install the 2.41b and see if that works
Let us know if installing 2.41b worked for you as well? We may be onto something here if it does.
Can't you just plug in the SD card instead of the player or does this give the same problem?
you could, if you have a compatible card reader.
I have no card reader, and certainly no SDHC card reader unfortunately.
And of course even if I had one I would not be able to use the D2's internal memory without connecting to a computer.
I just noticed I also have the file-not-appearing-problem. It happens only when I use the file browsing option, when I use the id3 tags there is no problem at all. After a while the files reappear in folder browsing.
Maybe the scan time should be set to 30 seconds, I'll try that.
so downgrading to the 2.41 fixed everything. i then upgraded back to 2.45b (it has less problems with id3 browsing). ive hooked up to my friends mac a couple times before and nothing happened. the first two times i did i just unpluged the d2 after i was done. i didnt "eject" it like you are supposed to on a mac (im a pc guy so i just rip things out when they are done transfering[wink] ). well se always yelled at me to not do that so this last time i did it the "correct" way and it screwed up my d2. but all is fixed now. now all i have to do is remake my reference file for my 2.45 firmware cuz i like to have the progress bar and eq bars white insted of green.
Lastemp3ror
05-10-2007, 23:17
So it looks like if anyone is having problems with the D2 recognizing songs they should either reinstall 2.41 or downgrade to it?[shocked]
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