Forced Update???
 

I have heard this mentioned in a few different threads on a few different forums. Also there have been a lot of questions asking what it is, and how to do it?

Personnally i havent a clue what this is apart from what it says on the can.

I have opened this thread for disscusion of how to do it on the different boxes pace,samsung ect. also any other questions people have regarding the Forced updates.

Q1 how would you force update a ex tw pace box???
Q2 How would you force update a ex tw samsung box ???

Thanks in advance

John ;)

Re: Forced Update???
 

On a ex ntl Samsung box:

1. Unplug the mains.

2. Hold down <, CH ^, >

3. Plug the mains back in keeping the buttons held down.

4. After about 10-20 seconds you can let go of the buttons.

It should say the STB is updating and the display on the front of the cable box will be counting. After a while the box should be updated.

These instructions should work for ex tw Samsung box too.

Hope this helps. :)

Re: Forced Update???
 

;) Thanks that was very helpful.

I still however need to know how to do a forced update on a ex tw pace box.

Thnaks in advance
John

Re: Forced Update???
 

I will try and find out for you but I don't have a Pace box anymore.

Re: Forced Update???
 

Be aware that there is the chance of bricking your box if you do this...

Re: Forced Update???
 

;) Thnaks for that Jeff. I think i'll wait for the downlaod to come natural!!!

Re: Forced Update???
 

Really?? I didn't know that, I would have waited then, but I've already updated it lol. :)

Re: Forced Update???
 

could someone please find out how to force an update on the pace box

Re: Forced Update???
 

Indeed - best that people know before they do it - just in case :tu: :)

Re: Forced Update???
 

So does anybody know how to actually do a forced update on a ex telewest pace box??

Re: Forced Update???
 

I know this is a stupid question but :

What does bricking mean :confused:

Re: Forced Update???
 

making it do a very good impression of a brick - i.e. no longer work..

Am I right in thinking that if the upgrade hasn't been rolled out to an area, then no amount of re-booting with a 'funny handshake' will result in the STB updating??

Re: Forced Update???
 

Yep.

Re: Forced Update???
 

thanks :tu:

- I was wondering if people were expecting this to be a way of jumping the queue ? ;)

Re: Forced Update???
 

i hate having to disagree but this morning when i got up i didnt have the new software and after doing the reset, both myself and nikesh have now got the virgin epg, so how can you explain this by saying it will only come when its sent to the box?

Re: Forced Update???
 

Yep - because I tried it, it did all the counting down, and lo and behold, no difference was there to see..:D

Re: Forced Update???
 

I can only assume that the software is uploaded to the headend, first, then sent as a 'hit' overnight. Presumably resetting your box resulted in the upgrade happening sooner, but it wouldn't have happened if your area wasn't already ready???

Re: Forced Update???
 

is there anyone out there who knows how to force an update on the pace box, i have looked at loads of forums, searched on google and it seems know one knows how to do it. Is it impossible to force an update on a pace box?

if anyone does know please could you tell me how?
if it helps i have the really old pace box, i think the first digital box released during the c&w era.

Re: Forced Update???
 

so we made the update happen sooner? you mean we forced it ?
either way its all good and the epg is really quick no more waiting for the show to appear and no more searching for listings!

Re: Forced Update???
 

Yep, today I forced an update on my Samsung box and I had the new Virgin EPG. Have to say the new EPG is wicked, it's so quick!! I'm in Leicester, does that mean Leicester will get upgraded tonight anyway?

Re: Forced Update???
 

I have got the new software now in Aylesbury

Re: Forced Update???
 

Anyone know how you can get the new Samsung box?

I have the old Pace one, we were having problems a year back with broadband, and a mate 2 doors up from me got the problem solved by having a new Samsung box.

So when I called them out to sort it, I asked for a new box...

typically I got another bloody Pace one, which does the same freezing and cuts my broadband off.

Re: Forced Update???
 

I'm afraid Virgin Media engineers are still giving out Pace boxes so even if they replace your pace box you might end up with another Pace box. So, I'm not sure how you will be able to get a Samsung. Maybe giving the engineer some biscuits. :D

Re: Forced Update???
 

Updated both my samsung boxes last night to the new EPG doing the < > and channel up, have to say this is a lot better than the last one!

---------- Post added at 21:23 ---------- Previous post was at 21:20 ----------

ofcourse if you have broadband coming through STB, you could use that to get one, worked for me, but after i did it people said that they shouldve given me a cable modem (getting one of those installed in a few weeks seeing as i am upgrading to the 85 quid VIP pack, with 10 meg)

Just depends who you speak to, managed to get my stb that didnt have bb going through it also, but this was having issues with locking up freezing and jumping at the time, and the first engineer who came said that hed get another engineer to come who had Samsung boxes on his van!

Do have to say this though, the problems we were having with the freezing stopped after both boxes were replaced. (Not sure if this was a coincidence or what)

Re: Forced Update???
 

Re: Forced Update???
 

Does this give you the new EPG? If so, how do you do it on the samsung NTL ones? (The newish Sammys).

Re: Forced Update???
 

I wrote the instructions for this on Post #2 here.

But as people have already mentioned, this could 'brick' your cable box and if Virgin Media find out you have the new EPG, they will want to know why.

Re: Forced Update???
 

How will they find out? Does this give you the new EPG?

Oh, and I noticed those instructions but wasn't sure which box they was for.

Re: Forced Update???
 

If you ever have problems and an engineer comes round, they will notice.

The instructions I posted is for all Samsungs. I have a Samsung SMT-2110c and it worked.

This is not guaranteed to give you the new EPG, as other members have found out.

Re: Forced Update???
 

please listen to people who know what they are on about, in other words :)

Re: Forced Update???
 

I did it and we got the new EPG (Grimsby/Cleethorpes). See here:

http://image.to/out.php/i3225_fuwrkvm.jpg

Re: Forced Update???
 

Re: Forced Update???
 

You said that already?

Re: Forced Update???
 

Well people obviously aren't listening are they !!!

But if you want to possibly F**K up your boxes then its up to you. I don't think the company will apriciate all those calls stating their STBS have stopped working.

Re: Forced Update???
 

Why are you bothering.

First we had the Network Gods and they knew **** all,

Now we have the STB gods who think they know better.

Let them brick there boxes and then they have to wait for a new one,

The engineers will know what they have a done anyway, Then they should BILL them for the call out and the box :)

Re: Forced Update???
 

Mess up the box and you might not get a samsung in its place .There are still pace boxes out there .So please dont be dissapointed if you get one

Re: Forced Update???
 

Well, I'm listening if it makes any difference.
I'd like to see the new EPG and see if it is faster but I'm taking your advice.
So, it's worth it if you *just reach one person*

;)

(and knowing my luck, if I did it the STB would brick and the engineer would be able to tell on the box log equaling ££Ã ¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚£ out of pocket for me.. )

Re: Forced Update???
 

Well I will say it is more responsive with the new EPG. There is only 1 HD channel listed and I have found 2 bugs. 1. With "Turn to channel when V Box is turned on (SCART)" is set to on it has no effect. 2. The on demand on screen controls have no transparency and has a solid black background.

EDIT: Just to point out -- YEAH I took the risk and I'm warning others so no more bad reps for this post thanks guys..shesh.

Re: Forced Update???
 

Those bugs dont happen with a non forced update;)

Re: Forced Update???
 

I don't want the new software until Virgin issue it to me. I won't be trying this.

It's not as if the existing software is broken - it isnt. Well, not for me anyway.

Re: Forced Update???
 

I know I figured. Not a big issue, will re update when the new one is out fully.

---------- Post added at 01:48 ---------- Previous post was at 01:40 ----------

<DO NOT DISCUSS REPS> - Jefferson T

Re: Forced Update???
 

The brick is grassing on us :Yikes:

How do I "force update"/brick a pace box?

Re: Forced Update???
 

Query
How will it brick the box what can it do?
If 1 samsung box can take the firmware why cant all of them? Say for example my V+ drive had its hit the other day so the update is on the head end and I forced the update on my Samsung box what symptoms of fault could the forced update bring?
How does the system deside which boxes get the hit and when?
surely if the firmware is on the system and hit the tv drive it should be stable enough for the Samsung boxes?
I realise I do not know squat about the hardware in these boxes buts its just hardware with software needed to run it
So please more information on the possible problems caused by forcing an update of software thats in the area or it wouldnt be available to force.
Why is the forced update capability built into the boxes software if its not safe to run it?

Re: Forced Update???
 

I think it is more about the capacity for the call centres to sort out upgrade problems, which is why they do it area by area.

I don't suppose us geeks doing forced updates will harm anyone.

Re: Forced Update???
 

What a load of rubbish being talked about in this thread.

The reasons ntl stagger the updates is to reduce impact on CSR / FMC. the updates are live at the head end and are set to 3 stages to catch box's. Staggering it through areas again is only done to reduce impact to the network and the CSR / FMC. Trust me every single change that ntl make results in a thousand 'where is x' , 'why can I not do x anymore' calls. If ntl simply sent out a mailshot like other companies then customers would be more informed and they could roll out software updates faster.

1. Box's that are rebooted pick up the update.
2. Box's that are stand by pick up the update.
3. Box's are forced on to the update.

If the update is playing out live them it's live. Your box will pick it up eventually anyway and you are not going to brick your box. (unless you turn it off mid update).

Messing about with the buttons simply forces a hard reboot. The sequence for the hard reboot checks the software version in the stb and updates if there is a newer one available.

[edit] Tod said it too, lol.

Re: Forced Update???
 

:tu:

Pace Box: Switch it on, while you are pressing the down key, let go when the word boot appears. And then happens, what the handyman said.;)

Re: Forced Update???
 

I did it on my Samsung and it seems fine

Re: Forced Update???
 

Indeed - I did it on my v+ box. But it's still just as borked (although it was better for a brief period).

Re: Forced Update???
 

Me too, what do you think of the new EPG? :)

Re: Forced Update???
 

Nice one handyman.
Sadly, still NTL EPG here.
lol!

Re: Forced Update???
 

loads better had it on my TV drive so I knew it was out here. Its better on the samsung than the V+

Re: Forced Update???
 

Whats the sequence of bottons on the Samsung box? I've got the newer Shark remote.

Re: Forced Update???
 

All new boxswaps have the uk2 download on them.

As for forcing an update, wouldn't recommend it. If it works of the V+ it should work on the samsung is the stupidest thing I've seen posted here so far. I mean not like they are at all different right?

If you force an update the tech will know and I would bill you the £75 call out and the £250 charge for the box. Just wait we've got roll out dates anyway I can assure you it's a matter of days.

Re: Forced Update???
 

A matter of days? Does this mean all areas will have the new software (everywhere) this week?

Re: Forced Update???
 

Thats what we wanted to know. It is frustrating with the release of package changes that we do not have the software which enables XL packagers their full access to extra content.

Waiting until June was a bit of a mick take really.

Re: Forced Update???
 

Don't talk such utter tosh. Did you start working for ntl/tw/virgin yesterday?

As well as the update being at different stages there are also different versions for different box's. If the version for the samsung is live then it is ready to go to the stb and hard rebooting your box will bring it down. However simply powering down could work also , nothing that you can do is going to bring down the wrong version of the software to your stb.

You need to get your self on some digi training courses.

I'm an ex - ntl FMR - with considerable knowledge of the way updates are handled. I went on training courses with network techs and head service I also did training for a lot of the dept and monitored the change/ release xls files.

Re: Forced Update???
 

Done the update, Belfast don't have the Virgin:Media guides yet. :rolleyes:

Re: Forced Update???
 

My TVDrive has all the new EPG but my standard box upstairs is still ntl, why didnt they update together?

Re: Forced Update???
 

tut tut tut!!! who on earth opened this kettle of fish:erm: Nikesh your a bad bunny;)

Re: Forced Update???
 

Meh, people are excited I guess just to see what is on it. I kinda was :blush:, it's Virgin man!

Re: Forced Update???
 

No body is suggesting the software is the same and no one is saying its the same firmware for each box are they? What I said was the new firmware is on my TV drive and assumed the software for the other was available also and it is

Re: Forced Update???
 

Because they are completely different hardware so need different software.

Re: Forced Update???
 

Do bricks talk?

Re: Forced Update???
 

I tried to talk to my bricks but was met with a wall of silence!:D

Re: Forced Update???
 

I'm sure you'll turn the corner soon, and they'll (air) vent their feelings. ;)

Re: Forced Update???
 

sounds like you need help cementing your relationship:o:

Re: Forced Update???
 

Forcing an update simply clears the EEPROM (or whatever the boxes use) in order to flash new firmware. If your box breaks as a result of doing this, your box would have broken when the rollout is eventually done in your area anyway.

Re: Forced Update???
 

Forced update here in Norwich on a Samsung and got the new software. Nice and much faster!

Re: Forced Update???
 

Agree. :)

Re: Forced Update???
 

The setup box has a log which is kept even when the box is powered off. This records everything from removing inserting your card, powering off, pay-per-view etc.

Force Updates
 

hi, i have recently updated my samsung box to the virgin epg using a force update and i thought that everyone should be able to have this because it has certainly improved the speed of my box.

I only know the update procedure for samsung boxes but it would be greatly appreciated if we could get as many methods of updating different boxes as possible and will probably prove useful to many CF members.

Also if you have managed to get the update post your box type and location so that people can find out if their area has the update yet.

anyway the samsung method is as follows:
1. unplug mains from back of box
2. hold < ^ > buttons
3. when box displays 'LD:**' (** being a number) let go of the buttons
4. you should get a screen with something like 'updating, do not turn off' on it.
5. after update you will either have new virgin epg or still have ntl epg

Oh and i live in manchester so thats where mine is working :)

Re: Force Updates
 

yaawwwwwwwwwwwnnnnnnnnn

How many times do people have to tell us about this.

A failed forced update will cost you money

Not all areas have the Virgin EPG yet

It wasnt broke so LEAVE IT ALONE!! your just asking for trouble just to get something a few hours earlier than you might have got it anyhow

Re: Force Updates
 

well i'm a newbie so i have an excuse for repeat threads :D anyway can people post anyway as i'm sure people will still appreciate the info :)

Re: Force Updates
 

So just so everyone knows. If you brick your stb and then Virgin want to bill you, Everyone forward your bills to ben_b for giving you the advice and telling you how to potentially brick you STB's :rolleyes:

Re: Force Updates
 

You won't get the update if it's not available in your area - no matter how many times you reboot, or force the update.
The updates are sent out overnight. Personally, I have better things to do that sit in front of the box all night just to get the new EPG a couple of hours earlier. At the end of the day, the consensus of opinion is that the old NTL EPG was actually better than the current VM one - I'm hanging on to my software as long as possible.

Re: Force Updates
 

me too

and then i might do a forced update to get the old software ;)

Re: Forced Update???
 

:erm: what on earth have people got such a bee in their bonnet about?! - when I've phoned to complain about anything to do with the stb, the person at the call centre always says 'have you tried rebooting' like I should do this before I phone them to ask 'help!' :shrug: and as my epg (ntl) has been very pants for an age now, I shall attempt to reboot it. *crosses fingers* :rolleyes:

---------- Post added at 03:45 ---------- Previous post was at 03:34 ----------

bah! mine's still ntl poo :(

oh well, at least the epg is showing the right programme details now! :p:

Re: Forced Update???
 

There is a difference between a reboot and a forced download of the epg software. The biggest problem is those who think they know better than the people who are trained and work on the kit all day.:) :LOL:.

Re: Forced Update???
 

oh I see... hmm, well I shall just be a good girl from now on - shows how bored I was at 3am! ran out of things to look at on ebay... :angel:

Re: Forced Update???
 

:)

Re: Forced Update???
 

I understood that this was the case,but also I thought it happened "overnight". 2 Saturdays ago I reboot my Sammy because it had hung . Came back as normal with NTL . being bored I then Forced it three top buttons etc (this is around 9am) And guess what Virgin kicked in :confused:

Re: Forced Update???
 

This will happen when the EPG upgrade is available from the head-end but Virgin have not yet given the OK to push this out to the specified STBs.

In the above case your STB would have automatically upgraded overnight some days later.

The problem here would be if Virgin found a problem with the upgrade before giving the all clear your box could be left with a less-than-functional EPG and there would be no way to revert back!

Re: Forced Update???
 

If Virgin had a problem with the upgrade, they would remove the buggy EPG and replace it with a previous working version. So you could simply perform another forced update and you would in fact revert back. How do you think new installations happen?

Re: Forced Update???
 

they dont!

Re: Forced Update???
 

Just forced my 4000DVB and it's the same old TW EPG :shocked:
I do hope the new EPG is faster than the TW one :rolleyes:

PS: My box didn't turn in ti a brick either, it still looks like a 4000DVB to me anyway:Yikes: :p:

Re: Forced Update???
 

Same here, with the steam powered Pace 1000 (using the 4321 method).:td:

Re: Forced Update???
 

My father inlaw has just had his STB replaced and has got the new black and yellow menus. The man who fitted his replacement box said that everyone else in the West Yorkshire area would get the same menu update in two weeks time.
;)

Re: Forced Update???
 

If virgin knew that they had bugged software on their headend to be downloaded whenever a new box was installed (without an EPG) they would remove it if it was that bad.

Re: Forced Update???
 

Thats good news as I'm in Wakefield and get the V+ & VIP tomorrow :D
Think I can wait 2 weeks, but any longer and I will take them to court for lack of new EPG. Anybody think I will win:LOL:

Re: Forced Update???
 

I'm just down the road in Castleford (wont say anything about the rugby league and what happened in the last game of the season last year) and my father inlaw is now on the new EPG with his normal digital cable box. I'm still on the old EPG though, but will be having V+ fitted in 3 weeks time. Anyway the father inlaw said our area should get the new EPG in 2 weeks time.
;)
I know this thread is about forced updates, but why anyone would want to when it's going to happen so soon anyway is beyond me.

Re: Forced Update???
 

Well my V+ has the new EPG and it's much better than the old one .
V+ is well worth it's money IMHO, and has already kept my kids happy with recorded movies:D
BBC1 & 2, ITV, CH4 and 5 were breaking up a bit last night, but I think that may have been a local issue, as it's spot on this morning. Guy that put mine in said the job he had just done was a problem. Something to do with levels and V+ not working, but mine fired up first time:D