I bought a DVR recently and was attracted to the USB input. Unfortunately I found that it wasn't an active port-it was there just for future-proofing. What is the point in having such a useless feature (currently)?
Wayne Parham Messages: 18796 Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)
These days almost every manufacturer is doing that sort of thing. They are trying to get products on the shelves rapidly, and to do so, they are often times shipping early models with limited functionality, assuming they can do updates in the field. I imagine there is probably a firmware update available for your DVR that makes the USB port active. If not now, soon.
How would someone install it for themselves? Or would it have to come directly through the TV company, via the cable signal and so lock you to a particular company?
Wayne Parham Messages: 18796 Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)
Many DVD and BluRay player/recorders these days have USB and/or ethernet inputs. Some have wireless connections too. These allow you to connect to streaming video servers like NetFlix, Vudu and Amazon. It also allows a way to get updates. Usually, when connected, the device will automatically retrieve and install firmware updates. There's a configuration setting in the setup menu to allow or disallow auto-update.
If you do not have a digital connection or if it is disabled, like your original post said, then you can download firmware updates on a computer and burn them to disk. The DVD player will read them from disk and install them. It is usually kind of a weird button sequence that puts the device in firmware update mode, like pressing three buttons on the remote you would never normally press together. Sometimes, it's just a menu selection. In any case, go online and look for updates from the manufacturer and read the owners manual to learn how to apply them.
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