th55 Camera problem

[philipch75]

I am currently getting the following message when I try to open up the camera, either by the slider button on the side or by tapping on 'clie camera'. As a result I can't take pictures anymore - nor use movie recorder which I had also installed. The message is:

Multimedia System Error

Unknown error occurred in Multimedia System. CLIE Camera will abort.

I've tried soft resets, and then hard resets. Interestingly the message still appears after the hard reset _before_ restoring any data. This makes me think there is a hardware problem, but before I take the machine back to the shop I'd be grateful to hear if anyone has had a similar experience and found a cure.

Mine is a european version with bluetooth, though I doubt that makes any difference. Everything else seems to work fine - including the picture viewers.

Philip

[TH55 Mk 0 Mod 1]

Haha! ITS THE BLUETOOTH! KILL IT!!!

[stronggeek]

Does it happen with the memory stick in or out?

Your MS may be corrupt.

[philipch75]

Happens with the MS in or out. As for the green-eyed bluetooth - well we didnt get docs to go over here, if that's any compensation!

[stronggeek]

This probably won't work, but as a last resort I'd unplug the battery for a few minutes.

Sorry bout your luck.

[ftruong]

I ahve the same prolem when launching movie recorder, anyone have solution ?

[sfguru1]

The problem with the movie recorder is that you tried to put an effect on that the th doesn't support. You have to erase the movie rec and then put it back on. You can only use the black and white and sepia or it'll show a multimedia error, because it's missint the libraries for the different effects. Don't know what caused that with the normal cam app. You didn't try and install a different clie's camera app did you???

[Pdaman]

Not true !
I have clie th55 with clie build in clie camera software and movie recorder version 1.3 what i found from internet and all work fine :) ...

[Meisterz]

This happened to me too. Before I had made a MSBackup. After trying everything unsuccessfully I deleted Movie Recorder and the backup folder on the pc (in Sony handheld) folder. Then they started working for me again. This sounds extreme but it should work. Its just a decision if its worth the hassle to reinstall all the programs. .....(I might have done a hard reset also but I cant recall.

[Joelcam]

I am also getting the message when I try to open up the camera lens cover, the screen reads, "Multimedia System Error. Unknown error occurred in Multimedia System. CLIE Camera will abort."

I've tried soft resets, and then hard resets. I finally called Sony Tech Support and they are requesting I send it in to get the Flash ROM zapped. They are going to look into it more when they get it in their hands.

I don't have Movie Recorder installed, so it's not related to that app in my case.

[touchton]

Any solution here? I'm having the same problem with the camera function. Don't have Movie Recorder installed either. One other issue with my TH-55, I've lost the ability to sync via USB. I have the cradle and it worked fine for a couple of months. Now, when I push the 'sync' button on the cradle, the TH-55 turns on, but the sync will not start. I can sync via the wireless interface.

Thad

[Fosforo]

Same thing happens to me. I tried hard and soft reset but the problem is still there. Any help? Please?

[touchton]

Same thing happens to me. I tried hard and soft reset but the problem is still there. Any help? Please?

Had to send my TH55 back to Sony for repair. Don't think there's anything else you can do.

[philipch75]

I spent much time trying various re-sets and other tricks to no avail. In the event my th55 had to go back to sony for repair [luckily under guarantee]. The camera unit had failed. They replaced it and it's fine now - movies and still.

[tonyreynolds]

I spent much time trying various re-sets and other tricks to no avail. In the event my th55 had to go back to sony for repair [luckily under guarantee]. The camera unit had failed. They replaced it and it's fine now - movies and still.


Philip:

Are you generally pleased with the camera image quality of the TH55?

I am spoiled having the NZ90, but the size of the NZ, the fact that I NEVER use the keyboard and always use it in tablet mode plus having to carry around spare BP500 batteries is beginning to get annoying. I'm looking at trying to get a good deal on a used TH55.

Oh yeah, and the defective digitizer problem (that was a lready repaired once under warranty) is back again and driving me nuts with grafitti input.

Please advise...

Tony

[viaChgo]

re: Movie Recorder Problem

I had this same problem..."Multimedia System etc."

After combing the posts regarding this issue I was able to fix it.

Delete Movie Recorder from you handheld.
Use Clie Files or zLauncher & delete the Saved Preferences file...BUT be warned that you will have to reset some of your settings like the shortcuts, date/time format, button assignments, etc.
Then put Movie Recorder back on. I actually used Data Import to move the program from my PC to the MS. Then I copied Movie Recorder from my MS to the CLIE. I'm not sure if that makes a difference. You can try to just reinstall.

Now it works again. And remember..DON'T CHANGE THE EFFECTS!!

hope this works.

[philipch75]

Philip:

Are you generally pleased with the camera image quality of the TH55?

I am spoiled having the NZ90, but the size of the NZ, the fact that I NEVER use the keyboard and always use it in tablet mode plus having to carry around spare BP500 batteries is beginning to get annoying. I'm looking at trying to get a good deal on a used TH55.


Tony


Tony

The camera image quality is variable, depending on factors I dont quite understand but certainly including light levels. At it's best the pictures look good on the pda screen and ok on a full size screen. Quite often they're fairly low grade - grainy and not well in focus - though I tend to take pictures just anywhere when something crops up - as I have the pda with me, and so often the conditions are far from ideal. Obviously compared with the 2mpixel of your nz90 they wont be as good; if I need quality I have to take my separate camera with me.

It sounds as if bulk is a minor niggle with the nz90. Certainly the th55 is very convenient - scacely any bigger than my previous n770. It has more or less all you could want - as you dont actually use the qwerty keyboard - including pretty good battery life.

FWIW I dont actually use much of the organiser software. The freenotes app is excellent, but the others just dont work very well; I'm especaily disappointed with the datebook as it sounded very promising - and _is_ potentially - but in practice what you see on screen is too complex and resticted, and it is much slower to load; I now use datebook 5. Sorry - going off topic for this thread, but hope it helps.

Philip

[tonyreynolds]

Philip:

Thanks. That tells me pretty much what I need to know. I already knew that the battery life was better, but your confirmation is nice.

I use the camera in teh NZ as a "visual recorder". If I *really* need a good image I have a 5MP digicam. The rub is that the camera in the NZ is a CCD based imager. The TH and all other Clie's (or any other PDA for that matter...) has a CMOS imager, so lower quality out of the box.

I *do* get grainy images in low ligh conditions, but in general, especially outdoors, excellent images. The auto white balance on the NZ is AMAZING; better than my Konica Minolta D7i.

Take care,

Tony

[intellidryad]

Philip:

Thanks. That tells me pretty much what I need to know. I already knew that the battery life was better, but your confirmation is nice.

I use the camera in teh NZ as a "visual recorder". If I *really* need a good image I have a 5MP digicam. The rub is that the camera in the NZ is a CCD based imager. The TH and all other Clie's (or any other PDA for that matter...) has a CMOS imager, so lower quality out of the box.

I *do* get grainy images in low ligh conditions, but in general, especially outdoors, excellent images. The auto white balance on the NZ is AMAZING; better than my Konica Minolta D7i.

Take care,

Tony

Actually, the NX80v also used a CCD instead of a CMOS. One of the few reasons I regreat a little for saving money on a NX73v, but I like the black color of the NX73, silver gadgets are sort of like everywhere nowadays, I still like the black coloring of the '90s.
Yes, the camera software and settings are better then some real cameras. Sony should consider doing a touch screen camera :D

[tonyreynolds]

Actually, the NX80v also used a CCD instead of a CMOS. One of the few reasons I regreat a little for saving money on a NX73v, but I like the black color of the NX73, silver gadgets are sort of like everywhere nowadays, I still like the black coloring of the '90s.
Yes, the camera software and settings are better then some real cameras. Sony should consider doing a touch screen camera :D

You're right... Sorry, I forgot about the NX80

Tony :rolleyes:

[ntw1103]

I have a NX-70, and I had a problem like this. I spent a week trying to get it, and I fixed it. I used zlauncher to move the Movie recoder DB file to my memory stik, because it was read only. then I changed the Database Attributes so it does a reset after install. After that I have not had any problems.

[dihuta]

I have the same problem. And can not fix.

Please help me...

[philipch75]

I have the same problem. And can not fix.

Please help me...

If you check back over the posts to this forum you'll see various suggestions. I presume yours is an NX which came with movie software, rather than TH55, which didnt, so there's no question of a problem with imported apps.

In the end mine was only fixed by sony replacing the faulty camera - luckily for me still under guarantee :) .

Good luck
Philip

[dihuta]

If you check back over the posts to this forum you'll see various suggestions. I presume yours is an NX which came with movie software, rather than TH55, which didnt, so there's no question of a problem with imported apps.

In the end mine was only fixed by sony replacing the faulty camera - luckily for me still under guarantee :) .

Good luck
Philip

oh, I see.
I have a TH55 Japanese version. My friend bought it in Japan. And I'm living in VN, no Sony support in vietnam. So I don't know how to do everything. I hard reset so many times, and do sth else, but I can't fix it.

[cbsimkins]

I have the problem and deleted the Saved Preferences files, but still have the problem. I guess I will live without the camera as I am not certain that sending my PDA off to be fixed, with no idea how long it will be gone, is a good idea. Unless Sony has unusually good response time, it might be several weeks and I am not sure what to do in the interim. Any good feedback would be helpful.

CBS

[tom888]

Are all of the th55's that are having this camera problem brand new or refurbished? I am buying a factory sealed th55 that is refurbished and I am wondering if this model since it is refurbished will not have this camera issue? So is it all or just brand new th55 with the problem?

[daver]

so from what I've read, the TH55s can ONLY record in B&W and Sepia effect modes? does anyone know what libraries are required for the negative and solarized effects to work? that would be pretty cool

[cbsimkins]

I don't know about only sepia and black and white as mine records in color very nicely. Once you have taken a picture, there are plenty of programs that will solarize and do other effects.
I sent mine to Sony and got it back in about a week. Works well so far but I bought a refurbished M125 Palm as a backup just in case I lose the Sony again. Does anyone know if the failure has been occurring again in those repaired by Sony?
CBS

[daver]

I don't know about only sepia and black and white as mine records in color very nicely.sorry, my bad. i meant that the only effects in movie recorder available for the TH55 is the B&W and sepia options

[Richie98]

Haha, reading that makes me wanna laugh and cry at the same time.

I have the same problem with my TH55 camera since a few days. The machine just turned 1yr old, so no warranty. Seems like I could do nothing at all to repair it on my own...

Well, I can still laugh, since I almost never used the TH55 camera. I mean, sometimes to take a pic from a text, but never to take any serious photo. So no great loss ;-)

Just hoping, the rest of my now seniour device won't decompose in the same way!

[Jayman]

Camera problems are pretty common with the TH55, it is truly unfortunate that Sony pulled out of the market. Aside from the camera, the camera problems and the perodic screw falling out, the TH55 is otherwise a great device!

[cbsimkins]

I sent mine to Sony repair center and it works fine now. I don't know what the problem was and it was a quick turn around. I did buy a refurbished Palm at Fry's for $75 as a backup. I doubt that any of the PDAs is rugged enough.

CBS

[SonyStyle]

oh ****, today i got this error! noooooooooo!!!!!

[B.I.R.D.]

It happened to me 3 days ago too!! It seems like a lot of people got the problem recently. Is this Sony Timer??

[SonyStyle]

i dunno, i sent it in to sony on thursday, my weekend without the th55~!!!!

[SonyStyle]

got mine back today, they replaced the camera module.

[B.I.R.D.]

That was pretty quick, Sony Style. I almost gave up to send it to Sony, but I will think about it again..... How much did it cost?

[SonyStyle]

luckily i was sitll under warranty, 2 more weeks and my warranty is over. its fast because i live really close to sony, like 10km. a 15 minute drive and i am there.

[kadachi]

i had this camera problem occur this past weekend. i am still under warranty (for another 2 weeks), but did not register the product after purchase nearly a year ago. does anyone know if this will this be a problem when i send it in for repair? thanks!

[cbsimkins]

Just call them and if you have a copy of your receipt they may honor it.
CBS

[SonyStyle]

if you got the receipt, it is fine

[rgps]

Having the same issue. Just sent mine in for repair. It was exactly 3 days past warranty but fortunately I paid and extra $20 for 2 year extention.

[ID Engineer]

I just noticed this problem today - 2 days after the warranty expired! :(

[rgps]

You should call them for repair anyway if it's really only two days. I have had this happen in the past and many times the support team can allow the repair when it is so close to the warranty expiration.

I got mine fixed working great now. They also fixed a broken button while there were at it. They mailed me a box and I shipped it to them for repair. I didn't have the unit for 1 week and not it's good as new.

[MrNako]

I also have this problem. I will send mine to circuit city advantage plan or that thing.

[inkbm]

I've just started experiencing this error, deleted MovieRecorder, no improvement. Mine TH55 is the US no bluetooth version bought through Expansys in the UK and is 18months old, so out of warranty. anyone got any good ideas on where I contact Sony to get this fixed and an estimate of cost?

[philipch75]

I've just started experiencing this error, deleted MovieRecorder, no improvement. Mine TH55 is the US no bluetooth version bought through Expansys in the UK and is 18months old, so out of warranty. anyone got any good ideas on where I contact Sony to get this fixed and an estimate of cost?

I got mine through Comet and they gave me the following number: 08456 014254 for REPAIRS & RETURNS. It's a Sony number [I had to quote a Comet order ref as I was claiming under guarantee] and they're based somewhere near Crewe I think. They arranged a courier there and back and were reasonably quick. I presume they handle repairs for any retailer, but I've no idea what they would charge out of guarantee!

By the way, on return they - Sony - left off a body screw [one of the 3 cornered slot type you need a special screwdriver for] which affected the body rigidity and marred audio playback, and it took some hassle including photos to get them to send a replacement[with normal cross head]. They wanted me to return the clie!

Good luck - and be vigilant. If you want any more info email me

Philip

[l_z_w]

It happened to me today !! Arghh.. and I'm out of warranty... !!

What's causing this ?? I thought it was software, but apparently not huh..

not cool.. !!

[cbsimkins]

It is the hardware. Contact Sony. They replaced mine and it is working fine. Fixed something but the same unit not another Clie.

CBS

[daver]

I think it's a Sony conspiracy.... ;) All TH55's break down about a month after the warranty expires. There must be some sort of chip inside the device that counts down the hours until the warranty is done for.... LOL

[lee555]

Can we take a poll? I'd like to know if the camera breaks down because of the movie recorder app? Maybe the TH55 wasn't really designed to take movies. Do the UX cameras break down also? Or maybe taking very long videos as in 30 minutes or more could have a detrimental effect? Can the owners whose cameras broke down give a detailed use of their camera?

I'm really worried now, I got a 2nd hand TH, and the owner had it for a year or so, so I'm out of warranty now.

[iNSOMNiA]

This happend to me today i just deleted the save preferences and started to work again :). I have never gotton this error until installed movie recorder and messed with the effects. so I'll just stay away from the effects until there is a fix.

[daver]

I have the movie recorder, and use it A LOT. However, I learned my lesson not to screw around with the effects option in the movie recorder a long time ago, and haven't touch them since.

My camera is still fully functional, and hasn't failed me, yet. I really hope it doesn't break down on me later on today because of what I just said 10 seconds ago.:p

As for your poll, I can say that my camera is not broken, and I still use it very frequently. So count me in as a second-hand TH55 user with a working camera and movie recorder app.

[Pdaman]

I think it's a Sony conspiracy.... ;) All TH55's break down about a month after the warranty expires. There must be some sort of chip inside the device that counts down the hours until the warranty is done for.... LOL
yeah, i have thoughted that also :p however in my case i haven't had any problems with th55 ;)

[howjian]

NOOO... it's my turn.. no one has a "cure" to this problem right?
Oops.. i just saw the post several threads down about a possible one =P

[meisteronline]

Hi,

Exactly the same problem here. I got my TH55/E1 from my friend, but I'm assuming he installed the Movie Recorder from UX50. How do I remove the Movie Recorder file from the internal memory so I can isolate the problem of a possible broken camera module?

Any help will be appreciated. Thank you.

[salesrep]

Hi,

Exactly the same problem here. I got my TH55/E1 from my friend, but I'm assuming he installed the Movie Recorder from UX50. How do I remove the Movie Recorder file from the internal memory so I can isolate the problem of a possible broken camera module?

Any help will be appreciated. Thank you.
Since it's not a native app to the TH, you should be able to just delete it like any other app, although I've not done it myself. I've used the Movie Recorder from my TH55/E1 to video my girls on the shockwave at Six Flags, lap after lap at the Putt Putt gokart track, and many other things. Seems to me that the only components that would wear would really be the HHE processor. Since there are no moving parts (other than electrons,) wouldn't heat build-up from the processor be the only real result?

In other words, I don't think the camera module is more prone to failure from video recording than from still picture recording, but I don't have that kind of inside knowledge like many of you on this forum do. . .anyone else? Bueller? Bueller?

[LanMan]

I too have used the movie recorder on a number of occasions for over two years and have had no problems with the camera.

[yoovee]

salesrep, LanMan - that's great to hear so - I've raised a thought about MR once but haven't got a reply back then :)

Anyway, though I do NOT consider myself too knowledgable, I wouldn't have blamed the HHE - 1st, if anything, I THINK it should run cooler than most faster processor (I may be wrong coz of its included DSP and all) but 2nd, a wise engineer once wrote: "sure, o/c [heat] DOES shorten the chip's life - from ~150 years down to 100".

meisteronline - did you try the posted possible solution? (the one I guess howjian just above you have found too) - about squeezing the camera part? never had any problems (yet) with my own cam, so I cannot recommend it myself though.

[Cyker]

If you search back to the early days of the TH55, you'll find this is a very common problem.

It seems to be down to a slight manufacuring defect, where the contact between the camera and the mainboard is not very secure. In theory should be easy to fix; Just reseat the cable without breaking anything else ;)

I had this a few months after I bought mine, but Sony were very prompt after I rang them to arrange repair under warrenty. I must say, 'tho I dis Sony's Post-sales support like most people, I must give props to their repair guys - They are top-notch!
Got my brain back after a 2-week round trip, working perfectly. They even replaced the missing screws (Another common early problem ;))

[meisteronline]

meisteronline - did you try the posted possible solution? (the one I guess howjian just above you have found too) - about squeezing the camera part? never had any problems (yet) with my own cam, so I cannot recommend it myself though.

Yes I did and it's still not working. Is there any repair/parts manual for TH55 that I can download so that I can just replace the camera module itself? I have a friend who will give me his broken TH55 so I can use his camera module to replace my own.

Or better yet, can somebody teach me the step-by-step process on how to replace the camera module?

Thanks a million!

[yoovee]

Yes I did and it's still not working. Is there any repair/parts manual for TH55 that I can download so that I can just replace the camera module itself? I have a friend who will give me his broken TH55 so I can use his camera module to replace my own.

Or better yet, can somebody teach me the step-by-step process on how to replace the camera module?

Thanks a million!Try to contact DanT from these forums - he is very skilled with those tasks - as far as I can tell by reading here, he IS the official lab for the TH55...:D
Actually, but that's something you'll have to settle with him, depending on your friend's broken unit condition I guess, you may be able to close a bargain for the parts in return for the lab work - again, it's just my personal opinion - contact him! :)

[ankh]

Temporary fix I read elsewhere is to squeeze the back side of the case at the bottom of the camera ring (don't break the screen!, do it with the flip cover closed anyhow).

It seems to have temporarily fixed the used TH-55 I just bought. Got a scrambled screen after finally getting a bit brave and firmly squeezing right at the f=3.6mm area, but the reset button fixed that. It's worked through several on/off cycles since and taken a few pictures.

I'm very curious if this can be fixed by opening the case -- reset a connector? Add a shim between case and circuit board? resolder something? Pointer welcome if anyone's had luck fixing it.

Not worth paying Sony's, what, now it's $150 to fix one of these? Gossip, I didn't ask Sony.

[tonyreynolds]

Images taken with the TH-55 will never be great, the camera was never really meant for anything other than images for Contacts in the PIM. The images are always in focus in the center of the image and soft towards the edges; just like one would want with a portrait.

That said, as I've said many times in the past, just having a camera along is an amazing tool, especially since my experience with getting images off cell phones leaves a LOT to be desired.

Tony

[ankh]

Yep. I got the TH55 as an upgrade from my SJ30, for reading, I have it out most of the time with a book open on it. But I've been surprised how easy it is to take a picture and how often it's handy. Screenshots of Windows error messages, bits of text, the odd grabshot.

So having the loose connection problem with the camera turns out more of an annoyance than I'd expected. I'd thought I'd never use it, and I do. But at times it's 'solarized' imagery, at times lots of thin lines cross the image, at times the multimedia error. Carefully opening and closing the lens cover before waking up the camera helps. Tightening the phillips screw by the IR port helped a lot but not for long. Pinching near the IR port helps except when it reboots the Clie. So there's clearly something needing fixing (if anyone knows whether that's possible). Else I'll hunt for a replacement part or parts machine.

[ankh]

Okay, bother. Had the TH55 a few weeks, it's a great improvement over my SJ30.

But, sigh, it's too dang handy to have the camera right there, flaky as it is.
Is there an actual fix for the TH55 camera, these days? I've replaced components in older Palms, have the antistatic mat and use it.

I've looked at the other ebook readers, none of them are yet as good as the TH55 for my purposes. Can live with it but it irks me.

[ankh]

Here's a funny one from the Clie camera:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3146/2726593946_eaff0b1120.jpg?v=0