DirecTV receivers also have this feature that updates the firmware on its daily. However, there are times when you have a problem with your receiver or simply, want the latest firmware installed on your receiver immediately. That however can be forced and as we shall see there are some problems associated with forcing an update and some of the reasons why you may prefer to just let the updates occur on their own.
Checking Your Current Firmware Version
Nevertheless, as a prerequisite to making a forced update, get to know the firmware version that you have on your DirecTV receiver. To do this:
Access the Info & Test Screen
- Next, you need to press the {MENU} button on your DirecTV remote.
- Go to Setting and Help
- Select Settings
- Select either Info & Test
Locate the Firmware Version
- When on the Info & Test screen, search for a listing that indicates “Application Version”.
- This indicates the firmware version currently installed on your receiver.
- Take a record of this firmware version number
Forcing a Firmware Update
If you decide you want to manually force a firmware update on your DirecTV receiver, here are the steps: If you decide you want to manually force a firmware update on your DirecTV receiver, here are the steps:
Reset Your Receiver
- Open the Info & Test menu
- Select Reset
- Choose Reset Receiver
- To complete the reset, click on the OK button when the confirmation dialog appears.
Check for Updates
- Once the reset is done, your receiver will take approximately 10-15 minutes to start and reconnect with your network.
- It will then automatically scan for new firmware updates
- If one is available, it will ask you to download and install it
Why You Should Just Let Updates Happen Automatically
While the steps above will force your DirecTV receiver to check for the latest firmware, there are some good reasons why you may just want to let the updates happen automatically instead: While the steps above will force your DirecTV receiver to check for the latest firmware, there are some good reasons why you may just want to let the updates happen automatically instead:
No Guarantee of New Update
- Something to the effect of: ‘Just because you force a check does not mean there is no newer firmware available. ’
- Your receiver, however, will not have anything new to download if your receiver already has the most recent version.
Can Interrupt Service
- Force update check and receiver reset can disrupt your DirecTV service
- This may mean that you fail to catch your recording or a live show while the receiver is out of service
Potential Installation Issues
- Sometimes issues arise when installing firmware
- Compelling an update means you may end up stuck dealing with problems if something is amiss.
Regular Checks Are Sufficient
- Current DirecTV receivers already have the capability of checking for the latest firmware on their own regularly
- Hence, there is no need to schedule such updates that will happen anyway when the device is up for an update.
So on the majority of occasions, it is advisable to wait and allow your DirecTV receiver to download crucial firmware updates on its own. But if you do want to hasten the process, you can actively apply the steps described above to force the receiver to check the latest firmware version and install it if necessary. Only just bear in mind that there are some risks related to updating with force.