Reports on another forum report loader U7.54 in a new retail unit purchased last week. This loader version does not, as yet, exist on Humax's site.
I have asked support for details on the changes and about availability.

I wonder if its to do with the power cut fix? What versions of main firmware are they reporting?

We could only ask them to simulate a powercut and see if the unit recovers

I asked - it did not. But I remember Bod-Cat saying that to fix it might need a loader update (I guess, as well as an application update).

Is this what you're looking for?

My FS-HDR was purchased from Amazon and delivered 24-01-11, the details are:

Software Version HPRFSCI 1.00.13
Loader Version U 7.54
Update Date 13 JAN 2010

Cheers for that. It is just the boot loader that has been updated but looks promising that a new main firmware release could be iminent.

If update is 13 January 2010, how come it's new?

The date refers to the firmware not the loader. The last loader made available was U7.53. No one seems sure what changes exist in the new loader. Resolution of the power cut issue was a likely reason, now shown not to be so.

It could be that changes to both are needed and Humax decided to put the finished loader into production as loader updates are not done OTA.

Just received a reply from Humax:

"Dear Customer,
We are in the process of updating the website sorry for the delay, this will include the new loader and release notes.

Regards Colin Wilson,
Humax Customer Support"

Still no 7.54 or information on what it does different (if anything).

Automan.

If they managed to fix the power-cut handling without having to change the loader then is there any need for a new version?

Well they must think so.
I asked support why it was taking so long but no reply.
It appears to be their habit to document the loader and a new application together - so it may be that the changes are insignificant for most users.

What I mean is the new loader they had readied was found to be redundant. Great relief all round as it means they do not have to worry about peeps who only update OTA. So what if there is a batch out there in the wild with it? It matters not.

There must be some change in it.

But a redundant change.

Well on my definition of redundant I can't understand why they would want to do this. True it may well be something that only concerns a minority of users but there must be some functional change. Time will tell.

It is redundant if it fixes the same bug that the change in the new beta firmware fixes - the power cut bug. What other reason would there be for changing the loader? None of the other bugs or new features that have been mentioned would need it unless I have missed something. You write your loader lean, mean and tight and it is a biggy to need to change it.

I am sure the release notes will reveal all. It is Possible that is something none of us are thinking of. The releases note I am sure will reveal all.

Humax release notes tend to be pretty opaque especially when it comes to bloopers that should never have been let out the door in the first place.

Still no 7.54 on Humax site (main or beta download page).

Automan.

I did not get a reply to my last "well, where is it" - so I am guessing that they will put it up when 1.00.15 is released as they have normally documented them together. I suppose that the changes must be insignificant.

As has already been discussed, the need for a new loader may well have been supplanted by them working out how to put the fix for the power-cut handling entirely within the firmware. If so, while a new version of the loader has been seen in the wild the need for it is now redundant. Good job given all those owners who rely totally on OTA upgrades and do not know one end of a USB stick from the other.