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== What is PTool, and what does hacking do? ==
  * PTool is a Windows application written by Vitaliy Kiselev that can patch (modify) certain Panasonic Lumix camera firmware images. The patches remove firmware restrictions and let you change video encoding parameters. Patching to increase the video recording bit rate can significantly improve video quality.

== What camera firmware images can PTool patch? ==
  * As of PTool version 3.63d: ([[http://www.gh1-hack.info/wiki/VersionHistory|version history]])

  * TZ10 v1.2: http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/download/index.html
  * G1 v1.5: http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/download/fts/index2.html
  * G2 v1.1: http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/download/fts/index2.html
  * GF1 v1.2: http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/download/fts/index2.html
  * GH1 v1.3: http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/download/fts/index2.html 
  * GH2 v1.0e: http://www.personal-view.com/talks/discussion/330/new-gh2-firmware-leak

  * GH2 v1.1: not yet.  Vitaliy is working on a new version of PTool for this.  Don't ask when it will be ready.

== Where can I download PTool? ==
  * http://www.gh1-hack.info/wiki/PToolSoftware

== How do I use PTool? ==
  - Download the original Panasonic firmware image, and unzip it to get the .bin file
  - Run PTool
  - Click "load firmware" and load the original Panasonic firmware
  - Make you patch settings in the Ptool window.  If you want to load stored settings, see below.
  - Click "Save Firmware".  Choose a filename that is the same as the original firmware .bin file, except with a different number.  (e.g. GH2__V11.bin instead of GH2__V10.bin)  Note that the filename has two underscores.

== How can I load or save PTool patch settings? ==
  * PTool can save patch settings to an .ini file, letter A - J. (seta.ini, setb.ini, etc)
  * To load an ini file, place the file in your PTool directory before running PTool
  * Run PTool and load the original firmware
  * To load settings from a file, click a letter button at the bottom of the PTool window.  Loadable settings have a green button.
  * To save settings to a file, shift-click a letter button at the bottom of the PTool window.  Enter descriptions, and then click "store settings".

== How to flash your camera with a firmware image ==
  - Copy firmware to root of SD card. Fully charge you battery. Do not even attempt to use AC coupler or 3rd party battery!
  - Power off your camera if it was on.
  - Power on camera. After this press (not hold) green play button.
  - You'll see hourglass and prompt to update.
  - Press down arrow and after this Menu/set.
  - Wait until upgrade will be completed.  Do not touch your camera while the update is proceeding
  - When the update completes, the camera resets itself.

== How to use PTool on a Macintosh ==


=== Small tips ===

  1. Remember that Testers section patches are for testers. Use simple bitrate patches.
  2. How can I make encoder hold better in low detailed scenes? Use Auto Quantizer patches

===== Useful tools =====

StreamParser by Chris Brandin as help tool to analyse AVCHD streams - 
http://www.gh1-hack.info/StreamParser.zip


Other good idea is also use trial version of Elecard StremEye - 
http://www.elecard.com/en/download/products.html
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