Samsung DirecTV Set Top Box Firmware Upgrade Required

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pradike

SatelliteGuys Guru
Original poster
Jan 26, 2004
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SouthEast United States
Samsung has recently announced that owners of their set top boxes for DirecTV must have a firmware update before the end of the year, in order to support any over-the-air (OTA) HD channel broadcast flag protection. This means if you don't have the upgrade, you won't be able to view any OTA HD channels after 2/1/05.

FOR OWNERS OF THE TS-160 MODEL - DirecTV will automatically be downloading a firmware upgrade on your unit (assuming you have a phone line connected). My unit's firmware has already been upgraded.

For all other Samsung DirectTV Set Top Box owners, here are some FAQ on this:

Set Top Box Broadcast Flag Frequently Asked Questions
The FCC is mandating digital broadcast transmission. The use of anti-piracy tactics with digital broadcast transmission will create an issue with certain model Samsung HD Set Top Boxes. When the broadcast flag is sent via the HD signal by the broadcaster the Samsung Set Top Box will lock up and nothing will be displayed.

What model set top boxes are involved?
- STB Model SIR-T151
- STB Model PRL-3100
- STB Model SIR-T165
- STB Model SIR-TS160

What needs to be done?
The software on the set top box needs to be updated.

Can the customer perform this upgrade?
If they have a MS Windows PC and one of the following set top boxes:
- STB Model SIR-T151
- STB Model PRL-3100
- STB Model SIR-T165
Customers without a MS Windows PC will need to contact the Customer Service Center at 1-800-SAMSUNG to arrange shipping the unit to Factory Service Center (CVE) for the upgrade.

If they have model SIR-TS160, - DirecTV customers will be automatically upgraded via DirecTV. Non DirecTV customers will need to contact the Customer Service Center at 1-800-SAMSUNG to arrange shipping the unit to Factory Service Center (CVE) for the upgrade.

How to obtain the upgrade kit for installation by the customer?
(For STB Models: SIR-T151, SIR-165, or PRL-3100)
Complete the “Registration for the Set Top Box Broadcast Upgrade” form.

This form can be completed online at:

Samsung firmware upgrade form WEBSITE

You will then be sent an upgrade package containing a serial connector, CD-Rom, and one page of instructions showing the upgrade kit equipment list, where to connect to the set top box, and refers the customer to the CD-Rom for detailed instructions on how to upgrade their set top box.
(For Set-top Box Model SIR-TS160 -DirecTV customers will be automatically upgraded via DirecTV).

What if the customer does not have access to the web?
The customer can call 1-800-SAMSUNG and provide the customer service representative his set top box information and he will be mailed the upgrade kit for his model of set top box.

What if the customer does not have a computer or does not wish to perform the upgrade?
The customer can call 1-800-SAMSUNG and arrange to send in the set top box for upgrading.
 
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