Humminbird released DOWN Imaging info today

[fishwater]

Humminbird released info on a new down imaging format that will be compatible with new and existing units (except the 797si.) Availability will by Jan of 2010. Pretty much the same as Lowrance structure scan.

[kg2]

And it is a free upgrade for those of us that have been running them! (unless you have a 797)

[Northlander]

Nice! I cant wait.

[Deitz Dittrich]

kg2? A FREE upgrade?... NO Way!!!! That would be awesome!

Edit, just checked.. yep.. a free upgrade.. Looks like we will be able to download the upgrade in january.. MAN its going to be a fun spring with a new toy in the boat.

[Eric Wettschreck]

No kiddin Deitz. Can't wait!!!!

[TDomaille]

Here you go. The latest upgrade for your Humminbird. It's free and it's awesome!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Humminbird® Expands Innovative Sonar Offerings

With the Addition of Down ImagingTM

Highly Popular "Side-to-Side" Picture-Like View Now Includes View Below the Boat

EUFAULA, Ala. (Sept. 28, 2009) - Expanding on an impressive list of sonar capabilities, Humminbird® announces the addition of Down ImagingTM Sonar to its groundbreaking Side Imaging® technology.

"Humminbird's goal continues to be to provide anglers with the most innovative technology and Down Imaging is the next step in that process," said Dale Logue, product manager for Humminbird. "Adding Down Imaging to Side Imaging, and our new SwitchFireTM Traditional Sonar, the opportunity to find highly productive fishing spots is unprecedented."

Like Humminbird's innovative Side Imaging Sonar, which revolutionized the marine electronics industry, Down Imaging presents picture-like images of the bottom. Down Imaging views are focused directly beneath the angler's boat, giving a detailed look at structure and the water column. Down Imaging and Side Imaging together give anglers an incredibly detailed, full 180° view of the bottom.

Split-screen viewing options provide the ability to view Side Imaging, Down Imaging and SwitchFire Sonar separately, in groups of two, or all three at once.

"Humminbird created an entirely new category with Side Imaging, and now Down Imaging uses that same technology to give anglers an advantage like no other," said Logue.

A free software upgrade to add Down Imaging will be available in January to current owners of Humminbird models with Side Imaging (except 797c2 SI) by simply registering their product at Humminbird.com. No new hardware or transducer is required. All new Side Imaging models (998c SI and 898c SI) come standard with Down Imaging capabilities, with existing models (1197c SI and 798c SI) adding the feature as a running change in 2010.

For more information visit humminbird.com, contact Humminbird, 678 Humminbird Lane, Eufaula, AL 36027, or call 800-633-1468.

Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics LLC consists of the Humminbird, Minn Kota and Cannon brands. Humminbird® is a leading innovator and manufacturer of fishfinders, fishfinder/GPS combo units, chartplotters, marine radios and digital depth gauges. Minn Kota® is the world's leading manufacturer of electric trolling motors, as well as offers a complete line of battery chargers, Trim Tabs and marine accessories. Cannon® is the leader in controlled-depth fishing and includes a full line of downrigger products and accessories.

- 30 -

[polarsusd81]

So it will be similar to downview with an Aquaview while ice fishing. Only it will probably be a higher definition image. Sweetness. Now I really have to put one of those units on the boat.

[dudewheresmyboat]

YES!!!!!!! and I was going to get a lowrance unit.

[TDomaille]

Here are some pictures of the Down Imaging. Pretty sweet.

[img:left] [img:left]

[img:left]

[MN Mike]

So far I've see these screen shots from both Bird and Lowrance and all I have to say is ' Wheres the meat? ' ( I know it's early yet ) all I see are tree's and weeds, no fish yet or maybe I'm missin' something. You would think you would want some fish shots!

Makes a person wonder if this screen view would be of any use during the ice season ? I know it relies on movement to make these pictures come together like we see here on the screen shots.

It's going to be interesting to use this view next year, I'll be watching the forums when the upgrade comes out to see what people are seeing and posting. MAN am I glad I passed up on a 797 and went with the 798 !

Mike

[LwnmwnMan2]

Sooooo...... I've got a 797 for sale.

[TDomaille]

When you get used to using these units, it will become very clear where the fish are. Bait fish and the money fish!

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

Hoping to buy one next year

[reddog]

When Humminbird introduced their SI units, they did not have any pictures of fish in their introductory photose either, at least nothing more than possibly a while lined shape. It took some time for its users to get some settings adjusted so they were looking for fish and not structure. 2 completely different settings for the most part.

The images of fish in DownImaging will come, trust me.

[NTW]

MAN am I glad I passed up on a 797 and went with the 798 !

No kidding! I just bought a 798 a little over a month ago. I was looking for deals on the 797 at the same time.

[See yup]

797 for sale

[eyebjim]

Don't sell your 797's just yet. They found a way to make the new down imaging work on the 797's. I downloaded it already for my 797. It also allows lakemaster chips to work and a few other updates.

[See yup]

Sounds good-Any tips on how to download new software? type of card or anything that helps that is not on the HSOforum.

Thanks

[eyebjim]

Just download to your computer then transfer to a blank SD card. They say it is safer to reset the bird to defaults before you do the download. I guess there is some problems if you don't that may require sending the unit to them.

Once you reset just turn it off place the SD card in the slot and turn it back on. It will take a while to perform the update and then you will be in bussiness.