Info: How Bell TV receiver's get new firmware

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dags

New member
I see this question every time we send out new firmware on the Bell TV receivers. Hopefully this will clear things up.

How and when software is sent out to the receivers.

First off the software is spooled over the satellite just like all the other data like EPG etc.. Once deployed it is available at all times and we simply replace the existing file when a new version is available and scheduled for launch. Generally we spool out on Tue, Wed and Thu (but exception are made) usually before mid day. Depending on the feature being released and or model quantity in the field we may schedule the release in batches over several weeks. In this instance we continue to maintain the previous version in parallel until all batches are released.

How do I get my STB (settop box) to take the new firmware.

This is simple. If you receiver is being targeted (meaning we are spooling in batches and you may not be targeted on release date) there is only 2 ways to take a download.

Note: you need to have automatic updates enabled in order to take the software

1. Simply turn off your receiver via remote or front panel. Just like you would normally do when your not watching television (for most anyways)
2. The receiver will power down at the selected time (where applicable) and check if any updates are available.

These are the only 2 ways to take new software. Calling a CSR or TSR will not get you new software, it is not available via the tools they have to activate customers. The phone line has nothing to do with getting software updates. Also holding down the front panel button for 5 sec will only reset the receiver (this is good if you STB is acting up or frozen and may help clear up minor issues) it will not get you the software quicker.

Hope this helps

Dags
 
One thing that wasn't obvious, but was mentioned, in your post is that not all receivers get the new firmware at the same time. Firmware is rolled out by IRD# ranges in most cases so just because your buddy, or someone on here, got an update, you may be weeks away from getting it. This is to reduce calls to support should the firmware be "bad" and in most cases new firmware cause some percentage of call increase. In extreme cases, when bad firmware is rolled out it may even be rolled back to the previous version (rare but has happened). With PVR's, there is a small but significant chance that recorded shows may be erased.

While the firmware is being updated, you should not use your receiver or attempt to turn it on. The update takes about 3-10 minutes depending on your model. During this time, if you turn your tv on, you may see a notice stating that the update is in progress and you should notice the LEDS flashing (single green or red-green alternating for PVRs).

Resetting the receiver during the update may have huge consequences.......or it may not. Depends on what is happening with the update at the exact time of reset. Don't risk it.

Another extreme case is where the unit knows it should update, but cannot download the update (I forget which transponder it comes from) due to signal issues (or pirate TSOP locks). In these cases, the unit will be in "download mode" forever. So double check the signal strangth on all transponders (I think it is/was TP#11). In this case, it will be necesary to reboot, but best to call and have a CSR walk you through it so that it isn't your responsibility.:)


Edit: I also wanted to add that a smartcard is not required to take a firmware update. ALthough there is no reason not to have one in the slot, it is necessary, even on old unit that don't have an embedded CAM.
 
If ever your Receiver is not up to date very easy to update
with the remote control press the following
Menu 6-1-1 SAt91 Transponder 13 then Turn Off Receiver for 30mins TADA!!!
Updated Receiver!




We leave our receiver at the cottage and some times when we get there after being gone two weeks or more the channels are red. Is this caused from new software not being downloaded? There is no constant power supply as we use a generator only when we are there. So my question is this method that TSR-_Bell_TV is suggesting, would it work for this scenario?
 
Firstly, there is no reason to tune to a specific transponder at all, just turn off the receiver. I just did 25 x 3100's without going to Transponder 13, Sat 91.

arcabuddy, no this will not work for you.

The receiver needs to be connected to the satelitte feed and hydro for it to retain programming. I would suggest bringing the receiver home and connecting it to a spare feed in your house, if possible.
 
If the receiver does not have power, then the programming/subscription on the smartcard expires after a set number of days. This is the reason why it can take from 20 minutes to 48 hours for the channels to become available once you power it up.

You can also be missing channels if your firmware is old. Sometimes the data stream is modified so that only the most current software version is able to decrypt the channels. Just follow the directions in the first post.
 
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