new version? it appears that a new version has been released at some point. the food chute is modified and the programming has been revised (unless i'm mistaken, it appears that each meal can now have a different portion size). as an owner of the "old" version with extensive modifications to keep my clever cats out of the food chute, i would like to know if this new version is any better. new version? it appears that a new version has been released at some point. the food chute is modified and the programming has been revised (unless i'm mistaken, it appears that each meal can... » Read More new version? it appears that a new version has been released at some point. the food chute is modified and the programming has been revised (unless i'm mistaken, it appears that each meal can now have a different portion size). as an owner of the "old" version with extensive modifications to keep my clever cats out of the food chute, i would like to know if this new version is any better. « Show Less
813572
Just set it up for the first time. I think I have the new version--it's white, and does not have the "program" or "+" buttons. Not hard to program; seemed fine, dispensed one meal. Then the "lunch" lcd started flashing, and it won't accept any instructions without turning the power off and starting over. Then it failed to dispense a meal and the "lunch" lcd is flashing again. Has this happened to anyone else? Does my machine have defective electronics, or is there a way to make it work?
813573
No! I had the old model for over three years and loved it-- until my cats broke the lever from helping themselves to a morsel or two in between meals. Picked up a new model last night and it seemed to set fine, yet never went off (could tell because the meal light was flashing). Just swapped it for the same model at Pet Smart and same thing happened! New model is a bit easier to program, but I'd stick to the old model if I were you!
813574
This same thing happened to me! I have the newer version (which does not lose your programed setting when you turn it off or remove the batteries, so they must be listening to everyone's complaints) and it never dispensed any food, the "lunch" lcd would just flash and I'd have to turn it off to get it to let me try to reprogram it. If anyone was able to fix this or know what's happening, I'd appreciate a response!
363215
The one I still have some of was packaged in 2014, I just checked. I am not sure when I bought it, but it was in 2014, maybe I did an old form on Amazon and did not check the date, but all cat food I have gotten has been fresh, sorry for any inconvenience
1287846
I'm not sure why they would use the term "old version." There is only one version. GIT Corp's licensing deal with the Lampoon ended a few years back, so presumably no new COPIES of this DVD, let alone VERSIONS, will be produced by GIT Corp. My assumption is that "old version" in this case means "out of print." Three years ago, remaindered copies could be bought for $15; now those are getting more scarce, so their price, one assumes, will only go upward.
2119739
The one I have was the 2011 version. I'm not sure about what improvements have been made but this one is still going strong.
1425442
I assume it is because it's from 2012 despite this is the latest version. Just ignore it please,I guess someone made a mistake.
647893
It appears to be an updated version. It's a nice game, but not the original that we played when we were kids. It does look very similar,however.
445467
Good morning Mr. Mel,Most of the reviews I see from 2015 are highly positive for this product. I am not aware of any change to the ingredients and having used the product myself the rodents around my place eat it and die.
1637273
Their Version 12 was phenomenal.But from what I understand, the company was sold and is under new ownership, so product isn't quite what it used to be.Good luck!
719133
I've only got what they sent me but some of the problems might be solvable with a few more expert programmers, sure, but many of them are structural. There is just so much you are going to be able to do with the technology because of the nature of the problem it tries to solve. I'm sure they will eventually produce another version and probably in several different editions, but I don't see the next version of a software that's been around for more than a decade suddenly making a quantum-leap in performance. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. Hope this was helpful.
1559946
They did make improvements on the bowl. It is noticeably stronger than it used to be. That was a concern of mine as well. The removable plate doesn't seem to heat up in same amount of time the older model did. But the difference is minor. Being able to clean it properly is worth it. Haven't seen a bit of yellowing. I'm happy with mine. Hope this was helpful:)
844283
I don't know if there is a newer version, but this is an improved version of my 2006 one which I finally wore out. We'll make, very similar, but with some reinforcements in some stress areas, but nearly identical to my original.
2007083
I noticed a change too. I had hoped it was just one bag, and I have to say my cats don't like the new product as much. This may be the last time I purchase this product. I called the company, but they never responded to me. Guess they don't care.
98917
I think it's new. I never had the old, but this one said new, improved flavor....it's not very good.
1598281
Not really sure, but if I had to guess, it be in the early 90's. I have all the master cook cd's, downloaded all of them to fix there many mistakes and/or creator. I switched over to a new site called COOK'n and they are on version 11. Much better program than master cook who I think let the update's go. They were focused on there games which brings in more monies. COOK'n is far better program, but has it's problem's. They do take your questions, suggestions and work on the fixes. I have emailed master cook many times and never received a response from them. Good luck
1053826
We did not end up keeping this feeder because we were able to repair one that is a different brand. It is essentially the same thing though, and has the 10 pound hopper. I don't think we've ever had problems with the food going stale, but then our cat will eat anything. If it has been stale, he has not told us. The food does not look any different when at the end than it does when we first put it in. These machines really are great and I think healthier for the cat to have regular small meals.
2221403
I like the newer version better. It's more interesting and somehow simpler than the previous version. i do understand how expecting one thing & getting another is disappointing.
755922
I'm not sure if this is the problem - but if the feeder is dispensing more than 1/4 cup at each meal (meaning your meal size setting is greater than "1"), the "feathers" that control the food coming out open more than once, so it might sound like the cats are being fed twice, but it is actually just two or three turns of the feeder to get the food out. If the meal size setting is on "2" then you'll hear it twice, if its on "3" then you'll hear the feeder three times in one sitting. I'm not sure if that's what you mean but I thought maybe that could help :) I'm not sure if this is the problem - but if the feeder is dispensing more than 1/4 cup at each meal (meaning your meal size setting is greater than "1"), the "feathers" that control the food coming out open more than once, so it might sound like the cats are being fed twice, but it is actually just two or three turns of the feeder to get the food out. If the meal size setting is on "2" then you'll hear it twice, if its on "3" then you'll hear the feeder three times in one sitting. I'm not sure if that's what you mean but I thought maybe that could... » Read More I'm not sure if this is the problem - but if the feeder is dispensing more than 1/4 cup at each meal (meaning your meal size setting is greater than "1"), the "feathers" that control the food coming out open more than once, so it might sound like the cats are being fed twice, but it is actually just two or three turns of the feeder to get the food out. If the meal size setting is on "2" then you'll hear it twice, if its on "3" then you'll hear the feeder three times in one sitting. I'm not sure if that's what you mean but I thought maybe that could help :) « Show Less