Squeezebox Duet firmware update fixes connectivity issues

The latest firmware update seems to fix Wi-Fi isssues on the Duet Controller--shown on the left in its recharging cradle.

(Credit: Logitech)

The Logitech Squeezebox Duet was given an enthusiastic Editors' Choice award when CNET reviewed it back in March of 2008. But the audio streamer is a two-part product that's heavily reliant on Wi-Fi (both the iPod-like remote and the base station communicate to each other--and your home network--wirelessly). And many users have experienced a problem wherein the Controller (the remote) fails to reconnect to the network or recognize the Squeezebox base station after "waking up" from a period of inactivity. The issue has been widely reported online, from CNET's user reviews to Logitech's own support forums.

After several earlier attempts to fix the problem, it looks as if Logitech's finally hit the jackpot. Version 7.3.3 of the firmware was made available earlier this week, and it's added major stability improvements to the Duet's wireless connectivity. We've tested it for the past several days, and haven't experienced a single dropped connection since installing it. The remote reconnected to the network every time, even when we left it off of the recharging cradle for hours or cycled the power (both of which tended to cause problems in the past).

Bottom line: This long overdue fix for the Duet looks like it's finally squashed an elusive bug that was hobbling an otherwise superb product for a large number of users. If you're a Squeezebox Duet owner, make sure to upgrade the firmware as soon as possible.

Current or former Duet owners are invited to share their thoughts--and any hands-on experience with the 7.3.3. firmware--below.

[rdelfin]

I have updated my controller with this firmware update and YES!! FINALLY!!!!

The new firmware is almost like a "religious experience" when you no longer have to reboot your controller each time you lost connection after being idle enough time for it to go into sleep mode. I'm ecstatic!

[Notjub]

It just so happens that this week I bought a Duet - finally! It's a great device to somewhat break your dependence on your computer for internet radio, if I have to complain about something is not being able to play my music directly off my NAS. Hope they can add this functionality somehow in the future. Did the upgrade, had some issues at first but I fixed those, now it's smooth sailing so far.

[rdelfin]

Even though I don't have a need for this, I think you CAN do what you described through the installation of SqueezeCenter (the software that turns your PC as a music hub allowing for your controller to access all the files in your NAS system). It's worth the try, as I'm almost positive you can do exactly what you said.

[Greypuss]

My Squeezebox Duet is connected via ethernet. After doing the latest software update, I am experiencing more connectivity issues than I was prior to the update.

In several support sessions with tier 2 techs at Logitech over the past 2 days, we have updated Active Perl and uninstalled and re-installed Squeeze Center twice.

The Squeezebox works fine for about an hour, then stops When I check the settings in Squeeze Center. The Squeezebox Duet is once again not listed as a device.

I love the Squeezebox Duet when it works. Hopefully, tech support can resolve the issue when I call them tomorrow.

[hearnow1]

I had high hopes for the firmware update, but after installing it I experienced no difference in the frequency of problems with my duet controller. I have had the duet for about six months and have had a maddening number of calls to technical support and rebooted it hundreds of times, and it seems to make no difference whether it is wired or wireless, I still have problems. The only thing that I can figure out is that the remote control works somewhat better when it is very close to the router, however that is no guarantee of connectivity. Since I operate most of the time in another room, it is hit and miss compeltely whether the thing works or not. The firmware update does help diagnose the connectivity problem but whether I remove the battery, move into the room with the router, turn it off and on, there is still no sure fire way to be sure that it regains connectivity. It helps if you just want to listen to a single station I decided. After four or five changes, it usually loses connectiviy, then I am doomed. I have read and reread so many descriptions of problems like mine, I did not even send in my duet for a replacement even though customer service offered to "fix" it. Am I the only one that the firmware did little for?

[StillSilly]

I'm lucky that I didn't throw this product out the window after it failed repeatedly to live up to its claims. Yes, I downloaded the firm ware and it DOES seem to work fine now. I'll have to take up a second language to fill the time gap left now that I won't be insulting Logitech support techs (who seemed to always revert to factory resets three times a day). NOW it IS a great product!

[tskjaerpe]

For the first week or so everything went well after upgrading. Then hell broke loose again and I have a lot of problems with lost connection, stopping in the middle of a song, rebuffering. The next upgade, v. 7.4 seems to come with its own problems. It is probably time for me now to switch to Sonos (despite the price)

[rinro01]

More problems than ever with 7.4 Now the >Now Playing< does not work at all, whenever I hit the volume-down button it mutes automatically and the controller still loses connection with the box after a while. NOT HAPPY! I have the box for two years and it is hit or miss with whether it works or not. Too bad it was a gift so I can not throw it out the window because god knows I want to. I want to downgrade the firmware to 7.3 as that one was at least more stable as the experimental 7.4 This sucks big time. Customer support is also bad - they make you reset to factory default (because I never would have thought about that on my own) and make you install squeeze software on your PC which I am not using... idiots. Rather fed up after two years

[Spankfish]

Yes, what a nightmare the Squeezebox Duet is, and for me anyway, continues to be even with the new update. I've got it running on XP and also have a Mac. I've had some many problems I've had to stop the Mac from using the Squeezebox and uninstall the software, just to try to minimize the problems I have. With the new patch, I still have the Squeezebox just disappear from the network. I thought it was working after I updated my Netgear router firmware yesterday, as it all seemed to suddently work! I was crying tears of joy. But lo, this morning the problems are back.

If I shut down the PC and the Squeezebox Duet, when I turn them back on, and I try to play something from the pc, it just won't work. Even turning the PC and the Squeezebox on, I can have issues with them "seeing" each other, but even when they do, the controller can't see the network and I still can't play anything. The only thing that seems to get things up and running again, is getting the PC and the Squeezebox working and then switching libraries on the controller to the www.squeezebox.com online library. Then when I switch libraries back to mine on the pc, it can suddenly see it. My partner just laughs at me now when I even try to get it working. And as for Logitech, I've spoken to them twice over the last few days and after a level 2 tech fails to get anywhere I've been told they'll escalate and get back to me. That was 3 days ago now. I"ve really completely over this product and the poor support.