Software update failure for update 0x17A8 - HR54/200

I think you should just wait it out a little bit and let the Genie update by itself. You can also try going to your online account and pressing ‘Refresh receiver’ for the HR54. This may push the update through.

The only way to get a software update is from the satellite feed. The USB port is only for powering small devices, such as an enclosure fan for an external hard drive.

Juniper, I truly appreciate you taking the time to respond to my query.  Thank You!  In response to your first comment, about Genies being lease-only, I respectfully disagree. There are at least a few DirecTV authorized resellers from which you can legitimately purchase this equipment. One that comes to mind is Solid Signal, located in Novi, Michigan.  As far as the one I purchased on eBay, I told the DirecTV technician that assisted me yesterday morning in activating the HR-54 where I bought and she went right ahead and activated it for me, no questions asked. I actually had the new unit in my basement as a spare for enough years that I don't even recall anymore why I have this "spare".  Anyway, there are legitimate options beside lease.

Yes, there are online retailers Solid signal is one that lease DTV receivers they are not owned and must be returned to DTV if you cancel service, read the online web page that state this, what you pay is the upfront lease fee.

detuch254 - You were right!  Had I simply been patient, the HR54 would have updated by itself, because that is exactly what happened several hours later.  It updated to version 17A8, which is the version listed at www.redh.com.

What's really interesting is that it updated AGAIN about an hour ago to what must be a brand new software version, 1859.  And sure enough, www.redh.com now lists this version as current.

So, my HR54 has now updated twice, on its own, just like it's supposed to, in less than 24 hours since my original query post here.

Thanks to all who took the time to respond.

Here's an image of the 1859 update in progress:

Yep, that’s usually what happens. I’m sure the case was the HR54 needed ONE update first before it could take the next. If the software was truly that old, you would see this as the case. Enjoy! 

@stewdog 

Boxes from authorized retailers are lease-only. You still get a 24 month agreement and must return the box to DirecTV for as long as it is still one they want back. The Genie, starting with the first generation (HR34) is the first box that never had a purchase to own option. So places like Solid Signal (Authorized Retailer) are providing lease equipment that is not being transferred customer to customer.

Shortly after the Genie release, DirecTV discontinued purchase to own for all other boxes. After all, it was not a good value to pay $499 for an HDDVR (non-Genie) with only a 1 yr warranty. With lease model, warranty is on going. And there is no difference in monthly cost. Even if you cancel under the 24 month agreement, the ECF is still cheaper than the old purchase to own value.

If that HR54 was truly from eBay, so a personal seller and not an authorized retailer, you are very lucky the agent got it activated as it should have been flagged for non-return or even stolen.