4700 Receiver Won't Update

[chunchma]

I have a 4700 model receiver that was off of the data stream for about 6 months and now will not take a software update.  The system info indicates a software version of 647PCCBBD-N.  This also keeps the receiver from being able to display channels when activated.  All levels of tech support were unable to help.  Other than not taking a software update, the receiver seems to work fine, so I'm not yet ready to accept that the unit is damaged.  Actually, tech support said that if the receiver has missed a few updates, it might not be able to be updated anymore.  Is this true?!?

Is there some other way to force the software to update?  Or does anyone have an idea that might jump start the software update on this unit.

Any assistance would be GREATLY appreciated.

[gcutler]

That would be up to Dish. if the required update is no longer available on the stream and only the new updates (which require the old update to be installed) are up there, then it is entirely possible. The fact that they have no contingency is suspicous there must be someone there who can give you a definative answer.

This would be like MS have Service Pack 2 and Service Pack 3, but if you failed to get SP2 installed you can't get SP3 (and SP2 had been deleted off their download server). I can see it not being constantly on the stream but to not have an alternative is not very far sighted.

[boba]

You can try going to transponder 19 on 119 and shut off the 4700 while leaving it connected overnight. Be sure it is set to upgrade without my permission in the menu, probably menu 6,1,5.

[Bob Haller]

It will never update, sadly you have to return the unit for repai to update it to a 4900. Not customr friendly at all.

[gcutler]

Originally posted by Bob Haller
It will never update, sadly you have to return the unit for repai to update it to a 4900. Not customr friendly at all.

Guessing they took the whole Major Update off the Update Queue. RMAing a fully functional reciever for a software upgrade is more cost effective and less time consuming that turning it off for a download :rolleyes:

[chunchma]

I really appreciate the information from everyone. I wish I could learn how to download and manually upgrade the software rather than have to ship it back for repair. That will cost as much as a brand new 301. I'm sure doing offline upgrades requires alot of special equipment...ah well... How about recommending a company that might accept this unit as a trade in, under these circumstances?!?

[boba]

The 4700/4900 is still a better receiver than a 301. Two sets of A/V outputs, Dolby Digital and UHF remote. I still say leave it shutoff overnight it won't cost anything to try.

[chunchma]

Yeah, you're right...I'll try that. I did it once before when I was first having the problem, but I think it was set to transponder 11. I'll post what happens tomorrow.

[scooper]

Keep this mind if any of you have receivers "in reserve" - you need to put them into the data stream periodically (I'd say at least once a month) to keep up with S/W updates. I'm not saying you need to subscribe them - only let them see the birds every now and then.

[gcutler]

Originally posted by chunchma
How about recommending a company that might accept this unit as a trade in, under these circumstances?!?

Dishdepot.com does tradeins, a 4700 will only fetch $40 from them. More the age than the quality of what you get (UHF, DD, OpenTV if you can get it upgraded)

[Bob Haller]

E really should offer a low cost swap for receivers that arent upgradable anymore. I mean who would think this would become a issue? Or put a reset switch somewhere that would cause all new software to download. My neghbors daughter has one of these. They moved to a place with cable included for a year, moved again, admitted they were a existng sub and told they would have to send their 4700 in for repair. So they went back to cable. The system was a wedding gift from me. The now junk receiver is sitting here useless. They said I might as well use it for parts. Dish depot probably wouldnt want them either, they only take working units.

E lost a sub permnaetely. Thats whats bugging me. Its not JUST the DP, its the companies attitude:(

Its part oif a larger problem.....

[Darkman]

and make sure you have selected on the Menu:
"Download without my permission" instead of:
"Ask permission before downloading new version" (or something like that - not sure about exact wording - but it is on the menu)

[Kryspy]

Hi,

Some 4700 receivers have an odd software revision. Check your sysunfo screen. If you got revision I beleive it is CCD_ then you might have the ever so unpopular revision. I would call them up and ask for level 2 support and tell them you know it should "stream update" and inform them to send you a hit to update the system or else tell them they can flip for the cost of shipping your receiver away to be fixed and back.

[sorahl]

I had the SAME issue a few months ago (right when I first joined this bbs. They were pretty good about sending me the 4900 replacement...

john

[chunchma]

REALLY?!? What did you say or do to get them to ship a replacment? Did they charge you?

Thanks.

[sorahl]

I called them, we worked to gether to try to get the software to download. I came here and shared the issue, found out that the software is NO longer available for satellite download. Called them back and told them this :) and they said " Ok, let's get a replacement 4900 shipped out to you and you can send the 4700 back to us.". It cost me the usual 14.95 for shipping BUT I have to add that I pay $2 a month warrantee replacement thingy.

John

[Bob Haller]

If the 4700 wasnt originally on your account I wonder if they would still do this? It would be nice to convert junk to something usable. I have this receiver here and sell it and give whats left of the proceeds to the original owner, they are really broke...

[sorahl]

i was thinking about this.
Had this solution.
Hook up the 4700. have them 'activate it'.
let it run for a few days on the old software. It will still work, just won't have the latest software.
call up, complain about something that gets them to check the software version you are running and go from there.
?
john

[chunchma]

Believe it or not, I've done all these things. I've done everything except hack the box like some people have said on another forum. I just wrote Dish Network tech support last night to try and talk them into swapping out the receiver without charging me for the refurb unit. The thing that irritated me about this, is that Dish Network considers my unit defective even though it's only that way because THEY don't offer the software download anymore! We'll see what happens...