Sony Support

DSC-HX20V Firmware Update (Windows)

    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:

    • DSC-HX20V

    About this download

    Benefits and improvements

    This program updates the camera firmware to version 1.01 to resolve an issue where on-screen directional display during shooting and the directional data recorded in the image is shifted by 90 degrees of the original direction.

    System Requirements

    Operating Systems

    • Windows Vista®
    • Windows Vista® 64-bit
    • Windows® 7
    • Windows® 7 64-bit
    • Windows® 8
    • Windows® 8 64-bit
    • Windows® XP

    File Info

    File Name

    • Update_DSCHX20VV101.exe for Latin America

    File Version

    • 1.01

    File Size

    • 64.76 MB

    Release Date

    • 08-22-2012

    Before You Start

    Determine Whether or Not Your Camera Needs This Firmware Update

    This update is intended only for Sony® DSC-HX20V cameras with firmware version 1.00, and serial numbers in the following ranges:

    • 3500101 through 3514600
    • 3517851 through 3533400
    • 3536201 through 3566770
    • 4450001 through 4543600
    • 5248751 through 5251150
    • 5254151 through 5276000
    • 5280401 through 5285350
    • 5287751 through 5296500
    • 5298951 through 5321500
    • 8497001 through 8507100

    Note: This update is not always required. Even if your serial number is included in the range listed above, your camera may not experience this issue.

    The serial number is listed on the label on the bottom of the camera.


    Please follow the steps below to determine the currently installed firmware version:

    1. On the camera, select "MENU", "Settings", "Main Settings", and then "Version".
    2. If the version number is Ver. 1.01 or higher, your camera does not need this update.
      Main Settings Version Number

    System Requirements

    This update requires a computer with:

    • One of the following Microsoft® Windows® operating systems:
      • Windows 8
      • Windows 7 (with Service Pack 1)
      • Windows Vista® (with Service Pack 2)
        Note: The Starter Edition of Windows Vista is not supported.
      • Windows XP (with Service Pack 3)
        Note: 64-bit and the Starter Edition of Windows XP are not supported.
    • Hard disk space: 200 MB or more
    • Memory (RAM): 512 MB or more

    You will also need the following:

    • Fully charged battery pack (NP-BG1)
    • USB cable that was supplied with the camera

    Important Notes

    • WARNING!! This utility is only for use with the Sony DSC-HX20V camera. Do not install this utility with any other model.
    • WARNING!! This Digital Camera firmware update and any changes incurred by it are permanent. It is not possible to return to a previous firmware version after updating the firmware. By continuing this update process and downloading and updating the firmware, you acknowledge that you are aware of this, and understand that this update cannot be reversed.
    • WARNING!! Do not remove the battery during the update; otherwise, the camera may become inoperable due to the sudden power shutdown.
    • Performing this update requires a fully charged battery pack (NP-BG1).
    • Performing this update will reset the camera back to the default settings. However, the image data in the internal memory will not be erased.
    • Do not connect the camera to the computer until instructed to do so.
    • Remove the memory card from the camera before performing the firmware update.
    • During the installation of this file, be sure that you are logged in as the Administrator or as a user with Administrative rights.
    • 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 that you print out these instructions for use as a reference during the installation process.

    Download & Install

    Table of Contents

    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. Download the Update_DSCHX20VV101.exe file to a temporary or download directory (please note this directory for reference).
    3. Go to the directory where the file was downloaded and double-click the Update_DSCHX20VV101.exe file to begin the installation.
    4. The "Firmware Updater" screen is displayed.
      Firmware Updater Screen
    5. Power on the camera
    6. Ensure that the memory card is removed from the camera.
    7. Make sure the USB Power Supply settings are set to off.
      • On the camera, select "MENU", "Settings", "Main Settings", "USB Power Supply", and then select "Off".
    8. Make sure the USB Connect Setting is set to "Mass Storage".
      • On the camera, select "MENU", "Settings", "Main Settings", "USB Connect Setting", and then ensure "Mass Storage" is selected.
        USB Connection Screen
    9. Connect the camera to the computer with the supplied USB cable.
      Note: When the camera is connected to the computer, "USB Mode" appears on the LCD monitor of the camera.
    10. Confirm that the Safely Remove Hardware icon Remove Hardware Icon or Remove Hardware Icon is displayed in the task tray at the lower right hand corner of the computer screen.
    11. After completing the steps from the "Firmware Updater" screen above, click "Next".
    12. At the "Firmware Updater" connection confirmation screen, click "Next".
      Connection Screen
      Note: The LCD screen on the camera displays, "Follow the instructions on the PC".

      WARNING!! Do not power off the camera or the computer, or disconnect the camera from the computer until the firmware update is complete.
    13. At the "Firmware Updater" screen, the "Update Information" is displayed at the lower left corner.
      Version Check Screen
      Confirm that the "Current version:" is "Ver.1.00", and that the "Version after the update:" is "Ver.1.01".
      Note: If the "Current version:" is "Ver.1.01", the update is not required. Follow these steps to discontinue the update process.
      1. In the task tray at the lower right hand corner of the computer screen, click the Safely Remove Hardware icon Remove Hardware Icon or Remove Hardware Icon and stop the USB connection.
      2. At the "Firmware Updater" screen, click "Finish".
      3. Power off the camera and remove the battery pack.
      4. Replace the battery and power on the camera.
    14. To perform the firmware update, follow the steps to reset the camera, and then at the "Firmware Updater" screen, click "Next".
      Firmware Update Screen
    15. Reset the camera:
      1. In the task tray at the lower right hand corner of the computer screen, click the "Safely Remove Hardware" Remove Hardware Icon or Remove Hardware Icon icon and stop the USB connection.
        IMPORTANT: Do not disconnect the camera from the computer.
      2. The LCD screen on the camera displays the message, "Initialize this camera to update the firmware.". Press the center of the control button on the camera to select "OK".
        Initialize Camera
        Note: The camera screen turns off when the button is pushed.
    16. After the camera resets, the updater verifies the connection and the following screen is displayed:
      Run the Update Screen
      Click "Run" to continue the update process.
      Note: The progress bar appears while the update is in progress (approximately 5 minutes).

      WARNING!! Do not power off the camera or the computer, or disconnect the camera from the computer until the firmware update is complete.
    17. At the "Firmware Updater" screen, when the message, "The update process has been completed." is displayed, click "Finish".
      Finish Screen
    18. Power off the camera and remove the battery pack.
    19. Replace the battery pack and power on the camera.
    20. Perform the initial setup (Language, Date & Time, etc.).

    Confirm Successful Update (optional)

    Please follow the steps below to confirm that the firmware was successfully updated:

    1. On the camera, select "MENU", "Settings", "Main Settings", and then "Version".
    2. If the version number is Ver. 1.01, the camera firmware was successfully updated.
      Main Settings Version Number