Comments on: The case for online HDTV firmware updates

CNET editors ruminate on the positives and negatives of HDTVs getting firmware and software updates.

[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.