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When you buy a player it comes with a particular version of its firmware. Still, manufacturers continue to tweak the firmware after its initial release, adding new services, features and fixing problems.
When manufacturers make deals with new content partners — adding Hulu Plus, Vudu, Netflix and so forth — they release new versions of their firmware that include the apps to connect to the content.
The new version of firmware replaces your current version. This is referred to as updating or upgrading your firmware. Updating is the only way to get these new features and fixes. If you don't update your firmware, you will not get all of the latest and greatest that your device has to offer.
Usually, you won't have to do anything. Network media players can be set to automatically update. If your update doesn't happen automatically, you can update your network media player manually online. It's a simple process involving just a few steps.
If you get confused or have problems and your product is within the manufacturer's technical support period, the company's customer support may be able to walk you through the process. Or, with a little bravery, you can take on the upgrade using the following instructions.
How and When to Update Your Firmware
Perhaps you have heard an announcement that there is a new upgrade to your device or that a certain service is now available. To get that feature you need to have the latest firmware update for your device.
The easiest way to update your firmware is automatically. Most network media players can be set to automatically check for updates. Go to the player's menu. Look for a "firmware" or "update software" sub menu, then find the menu item to turn on automatic updates. Be sure your automatic updates are"on."
If your player doesn't set for an automatic update or if your player has not found an update when you have heard that one should be available, you can update manually.
There are two ways to manually update firmware on a network media player — online and USB. The easiest way to update is online.
To update a player online:
- Be sure that your player is connected to your network and to the internet.
- If you are uncertain whether you are connected to the internet or not, you can check that the player can connect to online services like Netflix before you start your update. You will need to exit the online service and return to the home screen.
- Go to your player's menu. It might be accessed by clicking on the Settings icon, or it may be a "menu" button on your remote.
- Find the sub menu item "update software." It is usually found in the "general" menu or in a "firmware" sub menu or possibly as its own menu item.
- When "update" is highlighted, you should see the choice to update "online" or "USB." Choose "online."
- If there is an available update, you will see a message. Choose "yes" to allow the update to download and install.
It is extremely important to let the player complete the update without interruption. Do not turn off or unplug the player during an update. Do not disconnect the player from your network or the internet before the update is complete.
Interrupting an update can render the player useless because its basic instructions are incomplete. If this happens, the most used solution is to update the player using a USB flashdrive or other type of memory card.
Be sure to read the additional articles in our "All About Firmware" Series:
Firmware Updates and Home Theater
Firmware Updates and Network Media Players
What to Do if a Firmware Update Fails
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