Tutor
•
8 Messages
Software update failure - HR44/500
For the last several days I turn the DirecTV in the morning and I get a blue screen saying it's "Searching for New Software" (see photo). I reset the receiver and it works fine until the next morning. Now it seems to show this screen several times a day, if I power off and then back on. I checked the internet connection and the diagnostic says it's fine. Its trying to update to 0x16db.
Is there anything I can do to get this update to work?
EDIT: can't seem to upload the image
detuch254
ACE - New Member
•
5.2K Messages
3 years ago
According to the RedH DIRECTV Firmware Watcher, the HR44-500’s current software is indeed 0x16db. That’s weird that your HR44 can’t update to the newest software, it is always on the data stream of the satellite. Perhaps your receiver is defective and it won’t accept the new update. Call DIRECTV (number in my greeting below) and tell them the HR44 is dead. If they offer the new HS17 receiver, be aware that any current standalone HD or HD-DVR receivers (HR24, H25) cannot be used as an HS17 receiver restricts the account to just Genie clients.
0
0
shannon02
ACE - Expert
•
21.3K Messages
3 years ago
The updates come from the sats, internet is not needed.
0
TexasBrit
ACE - Expert
•
14.1K Messages
3 years ago
This is often caused by poor satelite reception. What are your signals on the 101 satellite?
0
0
troman9
Tutor
•
8 Messages
3 years ago
TexasBrit: The signal strengths for the 101 sat are mostly 96-100. Two transponders are lower, and one is 0, but they've always been that way.
0
0
DIRECTVhelp
Community Support
•
255.7K Messages
3 years ago
Hi @troman9, we want to make sure your service works properly. Let's provide you the assistance you need with your receiver.
Meet us in a Direct Message to take a closer look on this. Please check your DIRECTV message Inbox (It's the chat icon next to the bell icon in the upper right corner of the Forums)
We'll be attentive to your answer.
Camilo, DIRECTV Community Specialist
0
0
TexasBrit
ACE - Expert
•
14.1K Messages
3 years ago
troman9 - not a signal strengh issue then.
0
0
Juniper
ACE - Expert
•
23.4K Messages
3 years ago
@troman9
DirecTV is service by satellite, not internet (other than optional On Demand perks). That means your software updates come from the satellites.
I would try unplugging power from the Genie (HR44) for at least a minute. A power drain would clear any cached memory that is bad. Keep in mind this normally clears the guide data, which takes 24 to 48hrs to be completely available again. Verify coax is finger tight before powering back on.
If that doesn't work, call DirecTV for a warranty replacement. You would get either HR44 or HR54 depending on stock.
Be aware that if Genie-2 (HS17) is offered, that is an upgarde as different line of equipment. Also it only allows Clients, so if you have any H or HR models (or special R22) you would lose those. That restriction makes this model something to be cautious of.
0
troman9
Tutor
•
8 Messages
3 years ago
Update: I cycled power on the receiver as suggested (i.e. unplug). It was still running the older SW version afterwards, however I left the receiver fully powered on overnight. By morning the new SW version was installed. I don't know for sure whether cycling the power helped but it seems that the receiver has to stay on when it's updating.
(edited)
0
0
DIRECTVhelp
Community Support
•
255.7K Messages
3 years ago
Hello @troman9, thanks for the update.
We are glad to know that the receiver was fully updated. In case you need further assistance in the future, don't hesitate to reach back out to us. We will gladly help you out.
Hailey, DIRECTV Community Specialist
0
0
TexasBrit
ACE - Expert
•
14.1K Messages
3 years ago
The receiver needs to have power through the update cycle. That means you can't have the receiver plugged into a so-called "smart" power strip where the receiver powers down when the TV powers off.
0
0
troman9
Tutor
•
8 Messages
3 years ago
TexasBrit: It always had power to the unit itself. As I'm sure you know, in the "powered off" state the receiver is still functioning, for example, recording scheduled programs for later viewing. I always assumed that it would also perform other background functions such as a SW update. It seems to have updated OK in the past. Again, I'm not 100% sure leaving it "powered on" made the difference, maybe it was clearing the cache by unplugging.
0
0
TexasBrit
ACE - Expert
•
14.1K Messages
3 years ago
Yes, I know the "switched off" state will allow a sw update. My DVRs always update. Maybe you had a power interruption during the update and it left the DVR in a strange state.
0
Juniper
ACE - Expert
•
23.4K Messages
3 years ago
Yes, box is never completely off as in a standby state. Otherwise, it couldn't record. But don't have it plugged into a "smart" power strip as DirecTV doesn't work well with those.
Likely something happened during the initial update which left some corrupted data cached in memory that it didn't clear on its own. That is a situation where the power cycle force clears it. Hopefully that is all it was.
0