AfterDawn: News

DirecTV gives users workaround for their unresponsive DVRs

On Monday night, DirecTV began sending out a firmware update for their HD DVRs. Within hours, complaints were trickling in that the software update was making the set-tops unresponsive.

Today, the provider posted a note on their website in an effort to help users get back access to their boxes.



"If your set top box is not responding to either your remote control or front panel button input please be advised that you will need to do the following to resolve the issue," reads the opening statement.

Continued: "Just flip the door down on the front of your set top box and press the red button. Be patient as the box may take up to one minute to respond to this reset. Let the system reboot until either a picture or grey screen appears on your TV. Then press the red button again, which will reboot your system a second time. This should resolve the issue."

The provider did not offer a timetable for a real fix, or why the glitch occurred.

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 9 Jun 2010 11:02

• Previous article

• Western Digital introduces WD TV Live Plus

• Next article

• Google Maps Navigation now available in 11 new countries

• 4 comments

• JenniferWeb (unverified)

  I had DirectTV and always had problems with the signal, especially anytime it rained. I get my TV via Internet from a program at seetvpc [dot] com. Have used it for a couple years and it's great.

  9.6.2010 11:37 #1

• jjziman

  At my current location I dont have a single issue with signal. It could be that there is not a single thing to the south of me. But i was struck by this issue too. Yes I reset the box 2 times and it was working again. I have heard some rumors that it was to do with the guide but I cant say for sure.
  

  Error 404 Snappy comeback not found

  9.6.2010 15:01 #2

• pcrazy99

  Originally posted by JenniferWeb: I had DirectTV and always had problems with the signal, especially anytime it rained. I get my TV via Internet from a program at seetvpc [dot] com. Have used it for a couple years and it's great. If you had problems with the signal when it rained your dish was probably out of alignment. If you had an 18" dish you could have aligned it yourself.
  

  10.6.2010 01:45 #3

• SProdigy

  It was relative to bad programming guide data that could not be read in the current firmware upgrade. I had 4 boxes (2 HD-DVR's, 1 SD-DVR and an HD Receiver) affected.
  
  On at least 2 of the boxes I had to pull the power cord from the wall and then re-attach before the necessary TWO REBOOTS. You have to reboot a 2nd time right after the first to force a rebuild of the program guide data.
  
  All is working fine now, but I feel for those that are not technically inclined. I can't imagine the wait time for a tech on DirecTV's lines right now!
  
  As for signal, I RARELY have an issue. Usually has to be a ridiculous storm, which happens maybe once or twice a year tops. Cable was no better as it would drop out in bad storms as well.

  10.6.2010 11:02 #4