Sony DHG-HDD500, DHG-HDD250 - firmware upgrade

[emondragon]

Does anyone out there in HDTV land know how I can upgrade the firmware on my Sony DHG-HDD500? I have seen some reference to someone receiving a USB dongle from Sony to insert into USB port to upgrade the firmware on their unit. I want to avoid paying Sony the $151.70 flat rate charge to simply change the firmware. Also, is there a good reference website for this DVR? Any help would be most appreciated.

[videobruce]

Why do you think the version you have is not up to date?
What version is it?

[emondragon]

I checked the firmware version by checking the System option of the Menu section. It states 1.2.05 as the firmware version, which is the original version. Sony has added these upgrades so far 1.2.06, 1.2.09, and 1.2.13. These versions are to correct problems with the Comcast cards which allows one to receive encycpted digital programs using their card. There my be other problems fixed by the firmware upgrades I am not aware of. The reason I think I need a firmware upgrade is once or twice each week ALL the digital channels are heavily pixelated (but not the analog channels) making it impossible to record a HD program. I have Comcast as my provider of my OTA network HD programs. I do not use the Comcast card due the fact they no longer offer the card and perfers one to rent their DVR. I can receive the HD programs offered by ABC, CBS, NBC, and PBS through the Comcast basic digital package, without having to rent their DVR.

FCC has mandated that cable providers offer the over-the-air broadcasted digital HD programs without having to rent additional boxes or cards. I have my Sony DVR connected to cable to record those programs broadcasted by the over-the-air networks.

If anyone knows a fix to my ocassional digital pixelation problem, without firmware upgrade, please advise.

Thank you for replying.

[Richard]

Those are tough problems to diagnose but statistically it is the fault of the cable company, not the product.

Easiest way to prove it for good is rent their box! They are so thick headed and into avoidance of responsibility sometimes that is the only to get them to pay attention! If it still fails they HAVE to fix it

[videobruce]

I do not use the Comcast card due the fact they no longer offer the card

They have to offer it. I would make a issue out of that by going to your states cable commission and the FCC!

[Richard]

Thanks... glad somebody caught that...

[eliwhitney]

videobruce -

By the time any such action would get thru the legal system, etc., he would probably be close to moving to an assisted living place !

Why not just mount an antenna for his HD - these, as well, are permitted for everyone by our laws, including apartments, condos, etc..
eli whitney

[videobruce]

Attitudes as that only makes it more of a win for the MSOs'. Not with a letter and/or form to the;
1. FCC,
2. State Cable Commission,
3. Elected local and state repersentives.
4. Town agency that oversees the francise.

Type one letter with the details, make copies and send them out or e-mail them.
The squeaky wheel gets the grease.
Actually, typing a letter and sending it to multiple people is far easier than erecting an antenna.

[Richard]

... and you will get more channels than just the locals.

[lewbobski]

No one has answered the question of firmware updating. I have an early version that I use without cable card for over the air and QAM stations. I have wondered if they made any operational upgrades over time and if there was a way to update my unit. Any ideas? LewBob