How to Identify the Firmware Version for Omega/Ultra Series Devices

Jan 21, 2026

Overview

Knowing the firmware version of your Just Add Power Omega and Ultra Series devices is essential when adding or replacing units in an established system.

Note: Several methods below require network access to the device. In many installations, this requires configuring a static route. For detailed instructions, refer to Setting Up a Static Route on Your Network or Laptop.

Omega and Ultra Series systems primarily run firmware versions beginning with Bx.x.x. Due to the age of some legacy installations, it is possible to encounter devices running older Ax.x.x firmware.

Methods for Checking Firmware Version

You can identify the firmware version on a Omega or Ultra Series device using any of the following methods:

Diagnostic Screen (on-screen method)
webUI (browser-based)
Command Line Interface (CLI) via Telnet

Diagnostic Screen

This method uses the on-screen diagnostic splash that appears when video input is removed from an Encoder.

Identify the Active Source
From any display connected to a Omega/Ultra Series Decoder, determine which source is currently selected.
Locate the Encoder
Go to the physical location of the Encoder connected to that source.
Disconnect HDMI
Unplug the HDMI cable from either the source device or the Encoder.
View the Diagnostic Screen
Within approximately 10 seconds, the connected display will show the Just Add Power diagnostic splash screen.
Locate the Firmware Date
In the bottom-right corner of the screen, note the firmware date or version displayed.
Match the Date to a Firmware Version
Use this reference chart to correlate the displayed date with the corresponding firmware version.

webUI

Open a Web Browser
Use a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
Enter the Device IP Address
Type the IP address of the Encoder or Decoder into the browser address bar.
Navigate to Device > Device Details.

CLI Command

Open a Telnet Session
Connect to the Encoder or Decoder IP address on port 23 using a Telnet client such as PuTTY.
Run the Version Command
At the command prompt, enter:
```
cat /etc/version
```
Review the Output
The returned value indicates the firmware version currently installed on the device.