Sony Support

NW-A1000 Firmware Update

    Applicable Models
    About this download
    System Requirements
    File Info
    Preparation
    Download & Install

    IMPORTANT: This file is only for use with the models identified. Not all models are sold in all countries.

    This information is for the following models:

    • NW-A1000

    About this download

    Benefits and improvements

    This program updates the NW-A1000 Network Digital Music Player firmware and adds the following enhancements:
    • Transfer and playback of WMA (Windows Media Audio / Sampling frequency: 44.1 kHz / Bit rate: 48 - 192 kbps. VBR (Variable Bit Rate)) file format is now available.
      Note: Copyrighted WMA file format is not supported.
    • Playback of ACC (Advanced Audio Coding / Sampling frequency: 11.025/12/16/22.05/24/32/44.1/48kHz / Bit rate: 16 - 320 kbps, VBR (Variable Bit Rate)) file format is now supported using SonicStage® CP.
    • The Artist Link Shuffle mode has been added to the Intelligent Shuffle.
    • The clock and calendar display functions have been added.
      Note: The unit clock can synchronize to your PC when using CONNECT™ Player or SonicStage® CP.
    • The screen saver is now selectable.
    • The Group selection is now supported for use with the remote stick controller (RM-MC35ELK).
    • When selecting Artist ALL from the Artist tree of the List search, the sorting order is now based on album track number rather than alphabetical.
    • The animation which appears while accessing the HDD has changed.
    • During charging, the resume track information reset is prohibited.

    IMPORTANT: This update is only for NW-A1000 models sold in Canada.

    System Requirements

    Operating Systems

    • Windows® 2000
    • Windows® XP
    • Windows® XP MCE

    File Info

    File Name

    • NW-A1000_V3_00.exe

    File Version

    • 3.00

    File Size

    • 5.90 MB

    Release Date

    • 12-28-2005

    Before You Start

    Important Notes

    • This firmware update is only for the NW-A1000 Network Walkman™ Portable Audio Player with firmware version is 2.01 or less.
    • Please follow these steps to confirm the current firmware version:
      1. Press and hold the BACK button until the HOME menu is indicated.
      2. Press (Settings) / Up, Down, Left, and then Right, to select the Config icon and then press Play.
      3. Press Up, and then Down to select "Unit information" and then press Play.
      4. Confirm that the version listed is 2.01 or less.
    • To protect against data loss, please transfer all tracks and data from the NW-A1000 to the computer before updating the firmware. There is a possibility that data stored on the device might be lost during the update process.
    • This update requires approximately 6MB of free space be available on the unit in order to perform this upgrade.
    • Fully charge the portable unit before upgrading the firmware.
    • If you are using the Microsoft® Windows® 2000 or Windows XP operating system, be sure that you are logged in as the Administrator or as a user with Administrative rights, during the installation of this update.
    • To ensure that no other program interferes with the installation, save all work and close all other programs. The Taskbar should be clear of applications before proceeding.
    • It is highly recommended to print out these instructions as a reference during the installation process.

    Download & Install

    System Requirements

    IBM PC/AT or compatible computer with a standard preinstalled operating system and CONNECT™ Player or SonicStage® CP software installed.

    Download and Installation Instructions

    1. To ensure that no other program interferes with the installation, save all work and close all other programs. The Taskbar should be clear of applications before proceeding.
    2. Close the ConnectPlayer software, if it is running.
    3. Download the NW-A1000_V3_00.exe file to a temporary or download directory (please note this directory for reference).
    4. Using the supplied USB cable, connect the Network Walkman Portable Audio Player to the computer.
    5. Go to the directory where the file was downloaded and double-click the NW-A1000_V3_00.exe file to begin the installation.
    6. Carefully follow the on-screen messages of the update program.
      Note: If a "Charge the device before performing the software update." message appears, it means that the device battery power is not enough to update the firmware. Please fully charge the battery and then try to run the firmware update again.
    7. When the "The software update was prepared. Execute 'Safely remove USB device' and disconnect the USB cable with the device. The software update will start." message appears, disconnect the device from the computer.
    8. The firmware update will begin automatically on the device. Once the firmware update is complete, it will automatically restart the device.
    Installation Confirmation (Optional)
    1. Press and hold the BACK button until the HOME menu is indicated.
    2. Press (Settings) / Up, Down, Left, and then Right, to select the Config icon and then press Play.
    3. Press Up, and then Down to select "Unit information" and then press Play.
    4. Confirm that the version listed is 3.00.