OT: firmware updates

[Richard Kreiss]

We are all aware of keeping the firmware of devices attached to our
computers and also keeping the firmware up to date on our computers.

However, I'll bet there is one computer in your home for which you have not
update the firmware since it was purchased.  I am as guilty of this as most
of you are.

However, I found it necessary last night as the device stopped functioning
properly.  Just in case you haven't guessed what computer I am referring to,
it is you flat panel television.

Yesterday afternoon I changed channels from a music channel to watch one of
the football games.  Sound but no picture.  All of my connections are HDMI.
The set is 2 years old and my wife thought we would have to replace it after
I tried all of the other video inputs and still no picture or at this point
sound.

After checking Sony's web-site, I noted there was a firmware upgrade
available.  I was at 3.3.12 and the new one was 4.12.nn.  After installing
the upgrade and reconnecting everything, the set was working.

The upgrade was fairly simple:
1. download the file
2.  extract it
3.  copy the extracted to a memory stick of 1 or 2 GB formatted in FAT32
4. Install it in the service usb port
5. turn on the set and wait for the update to load.

You might want to check the support web-site for your own make and model to
see if there is a firmware release and if it corrects any problems which you
might have had or are having.


Wishing you all the best for the coming year.

Richard Kreiss
GCC Consulting

Office: 410-653-2813