E548 firmware update coming

[Falcon]

New firmware E548 will be coming for the 5100, 5800 + 5900 models in the next couple of weeks.

[Q]

What does it correct?

[MrGrinch]

Oh oh... I better turn off my auto-updates. Seriously... for me nothing is really out of whack so I hope the new software doesn't mess anything up (touching wood).

[Falcon]

Yea... you don't want the 0 minute recordings back do you? Let others try it first :P.

[fastfall]

Looks like its out. My 5100 says it wants to update my f/w as of Nov 3, 2005.

I think were all scared to try it!

[Gunn27]

I don't have it yet. I have two 5900's, one of which is set for auto-updates and so far still showing E546.

[Falcon]

Channel 230 should indicate what it updates. I heard the broadcast flag is among the hidden updates in it. Not sure on that though.

[Gunn27]

Originally Posted by Falcon

Channel 230 should indicate what it updates. I heard the broadcast flag is among the hidden updates in it. Not sure on that though.

What is the broadcast flag? I've heard the term before, but I can't remember what it is.

[Bunkhouse]

A broadcast flag is a set of status bits (or "flags") sent in the data stream of a digital television program that indicates whether or not it can be recorded, or if there are any restrictions on recorded content. Possible restrictions include inability to save a digital program to a hard disk or other non-volatile storage, inability to make secondary copies of recorded content (in order to share or archive), forceful reduction of quality when recording (such as reducing high-definition video to the resolution of standard TVs), and inability to skip over commercials.

This can't be good if it's true

[Gunn27]

Thanks. Time to switch off my auto updates... just to be safe.

[mre]

I've received it but haven't noticed any differences. Time will tell I guess.

[JimH]

I've received it on my 5100 (4 Nov) but my 5900 has yet to be updated.

[despe666]

Originally Posted by Falcon

Channel 230 should indicate what it updates. I heard the broadcast flag is among the hidden updates in it. Not sure on that though.

1. The broadcast flag is in the US, not Canada. There is no reason EV would volunteer the broadcast flag unless forced to, because it will decrease their value against their competition who will still be able to skip commercials.

2. The broadcast flag has already been turned down by the courts. The broadcasters are now trying to sneak it through congress, but there is no guarantee they will succeed.

3. If one day the broadcast flag becomes law in Canada, they will force update all the receivers anyways. Trust me, they can do it, that "Ask before downloading" thing is just a courtesy so that you have the illusion you're in control of your own PVR.

Anyways, I called them and the official fix list is no more skipped manual timers and better hard disk spindown. Although I have doubts about wether the guy knew what he was talking about, perhaps other people could try calling to see if they get the same answer.

[DrewSat]

It should address PVR timers not firing, No Info in the guide, proper hard drive spin down, and improve the reliability of themes and searches.

5900 will get the rest very soon.

Nothing about flags in the cut.

[despe666]

Originally Posted by DrewSat

It should address PVR timers not firing, No Info in the guide, proper hard drive spin down, and improve the reliability of themes and searches.

5900 will get the rest very soon.

Nothing about flags in the cut.

Did they mention what they broke this time?