The case for online HDTV firmware updates

Should firmware and software updates be available to HDTVs via an Internet connection?

(Credit: CNET Networks)

Anybody who has a Sony PlayStation 3 knows all about software and firmware updates. Every month or two, Sony sends out an update notification telling users that it's time to head over to the update section of the menu and wait 10 minutes to an hour to download and install the latest features, bug fixes, and what-have-you.

Personal computers have been doing the same thing for years, via Windows Update for example, and now that the PS3, Xbox 360, and Nintendo Wii are Internet-enabled, it seems that game consoles are also firmly aboard the update bandwagon.

The same goes for TiVo, cable boxes, and satellite receivers, the latter of which are updated so frequently that as reviewers, we find it impossible to keep up--despite two major updates of the Dish Network DVR review and three of the DirecTV DVR review, firmware and software updates have made those reviews increasingly out of date. I think HDTVs that connect to the Internet should also allow firmware updates.

Among HDTV makers, I suspect Samsung will be the first to offer an "update" service on its Internet-connected HDTVs. When I heard about models with Ethernet connections, such as the LN46A750 announced at CES this year, my first question to the company's reps was whether that jack allowed firmware updates. I was frankly surprised when the answer came back "no." In the last couple of years, Samsung has issued numerous firmware updates for its HDTVs, including the LN46A750, the PN50A650, and the LN-T4681F, but they've only been available via download from the company's Web site.

To update your TV, you not only have to know about the existence of an update, but you then have to download it to a USB drive and install it on the TV yourself. Granted, the Samsung updates so far have fixed minor performance issues, typically 1080i deinterlacing, but I think most HDTV buyers would be interested in improving the performance of their sets regardless of how minor the update.

Many HDTVs available today have Ethernet connections, such as numerous Samsungs, the Sony KDL-Z4100 series, Pioneer's PDP-20FD series and Elite Pro 1FD series, and the Panasonic TH-PZ850U series, but as far as I know, none of them can utilize those connections to perform firmware updates. The Panasonic models do allow updates of additional Vieracast content, but that's not the same as update-able firmware to fix performance or modify features intrinsic to the TV.

The flip side of this argument is that HDTVs shouldn't need updating--they're fine as is, and their only purpose is to display content, so why would they need updates? My answer is that updates can seriously improve performance. A great example is the Samsung LN-T4671F from 2008, which was the company's first attempt at an HDTV with 120Hz de-judder. The initial firmware shipped with that TV didn't allow users to actually turn off the de-judder processing if they didn't want it. The firmware update, again available only via download to a USB drive and only to people who knew about it, fixed that issue, improving the performance of the TV as noted in our review. It's true that firmware updates can't fix light black levels or poor off-angle performance, but they can evidently improve video processing at least.

Another argument is that firmware updates allow manufacturers to rush imperfect products to market, knowing they can fix the problem later. With a little more quality assurance testing, for example, perhaps those issues wouldn't have occurred with the Samsung TVs mentioned above. But we notice performance issues all the time during HDTV reviews, and in the majority of cases they're not addressed at all. Offering a fix to a problem, even if it's relatively late, is better than ignoring it as far as I'm concerned.

If done correctly, as with the PS3, firmware updates to HDTVs via the Internet can be painless, instill a sense of confidence, and ward off obsolescence. If you've ever appreciated the added functionality or performance after a PS3 or satellite box update, you know what I mean.

What do you think? Should firmware updates be available directly to HDTVs, or are they too confusing for the average user? Will it happen in 2009?

[Carlox1]

i agree i have a ps3 and i know what the updates are, the added functionality or performance after the updates its something great, hdtvs should do the same

[dafunksta]

HDTV upgrades have been present for a while. My Olevia 242 takes a direct connect to the internet for updates and my Olevia 232 does the same via usb drive. I just assumed most TV's offered this type of support.

[canberra_photographer]

My Samsung LCD HDTV from two years back states that (if available in my region) I can receive firmware updates embedded in the free to air broadcast. A bit like teletext, different files sent out and TVs see theirs and install it. Does this ever actually happen though is another question?

[pts103]

curious where is this information you have contained, in manual? my Samsung LCD is 2-yrs old too. and I use amplified indoor TV antenna to get free over-the-air TV broadcast. was thinking there's firmware updates, but don't know where to find. Tried to access my online product registration for info, but Samsung site is impossible, now won't recognize me.

[ice82]

TV manufacturers are taking the reactive approach when it comes to firmware upgrades; if you notice that it's not working properly, you complain and they let you know about the new firmware. If you don't notice any faults, why bother making changes to it?
I know, a new firmware may improve performance, but in order to do this, it will require the TV to have enough storage room to download the file and install. This may be possible in the future, but I think the Internet TV thing is too immature to fully implement this feature.

[mpeterson78]

I have the Sony Z4100, and it is firmware update ready, there is even a selection in the on screen menu to check for firmware updates. The only problem is, Sony has not released any and I have not heard any plans to do so. Why include the option if you won't support it? Maybe a firmware update could help the sparkle issue. Grrr.

[sting7k]

This is a very good idea, I know companies should work on bugs and new features as much as possible. Sometimes you just can't get everything, stuff happens. Having the ability to update makes this better because now they at least can fix it. I will actually check now for an update for my TV because I never even knew it was possible.

[Lerianis]

This is a good thing, and one that I didn't think of. My father and I bought a new monitor, and I was wondering "What if there are problems with the control software embedded in the thing and I have to get it fixed?"
It would mean a trip back to the store, wait of 2 weeks (this is how long it took for the exchange for my HP monitor to be authorized), and then have to go to the store and get a new monitor of the same brand and model, or if it isn't available anymore, pick another monitor.

[DADSGETNDOWN]

Bring back TV's and quality of old.
How long before our Vehicles are going to need to have "updates". !!!
Please don't.
The world is sick and we know there will never be a cure.

[jbaviera]

I agree!
I'd be much happier to see quality programming. as for digital----- Who really cares? I currently have cable, and after the receint wind storms, all I had was over the air, does this mean I need to buy a converter just in case?
If digital is so good, Why am I being FORCED to convert? why doesn't our government go to digital instead?

[Pepsi Guy]

Updates to vehicles are already commonplace. My 2002 MINI Cooper (first year) received a firmware update to fix an emissions problem.

[the liquid man]

The concept is great but what happens when an update comes out and bricks thousands of HDTVs? What then? I know I'd be angry.