Here's a dumb question about software...

[Tiebmbr]

I know I should know this already, but how does the HR20, either -700 or soon to be -100, know when there's a new software release to download? Does it just trickle in along with all the other data it recieves in the night and then it automatically knows what to do with it? I know that not everyone is hooked up to a LAN line, so it's not triggered from there... And how will -100's know to ignore software meant for the -700 and vice-versa?

Also, why do certain areas of the country get their downloads at different times, and some have to force it? Doesn't the same SAT signals just blanket the whole US and access cards determine what we're authorized to recieve?

Just something I've been pondering...

[Earl Bonovich]

Yes... that is exactly how it knows.
In the data stream there is a piece of information inserted taht the HR20 (and all the latest generation of DTV receivers monitor for).

There is also a mechanism in that datastream to limit the installations based on a variety of information.

so that is why, they can push the update all at once to everyone. To an entire Zip code, area, code, state, timezone... or even a specific person.

[Tom Robertson]

I know I should know this already, but how does the HR20, either -700 or soon to be -100, know when there's a new software release to download? Does it just trickle in along with all the other data it recieves in the night and then it automatically knows what to do with it? I know that not everyone is hooked up to a LAN line, so it's not triggered from there... And how will -100's know to ignore software meant for the -700 and vice-versa?

Also, why do certain areas of the country get their downloads at different times, and some have to force it? Doesn't the same SAT signals just blanket the whole US and access cards determine what we're authorized to recieve?

Just something I've been pondering...

In the data stream alongside the video are messages: authorization for the receivers channels, guide info, notices to be display on your screen, and what software is out there. The "what software" messages can tell the receiver to: download immediately, download during "quiet" times, download only if not on this version, etc.

After the initial download during installation is done, no one has to force a download again. The system will take care of itself. But, we being the go-getters we are, who often have to have the latest, tend to force it the moment it becomes available. Otherwise, the receiver would automatically download during a quiet hour (typically at nite) based on whats scheduled to record and what the user is doing. If there are no button presses for a long time, late at nite, and nothing to record, it assumes you might be not using it and so it asks if i can download. If no one says stop, it goes for the download.

If the Unit is "off" it assumes more quickly that it can download without interrupting your usage.

While the messages trickle with the rest of the data, the software d/l has specific locations to be found, not on every transponder channel. P Smith has done an awesome job figuring out some of that information and regularly posts both on the D* forums and the E* forums information pertaining to D* and E* techies. :)

Cheers,
Tom

[Tiebmbr]

That's fantastic info. Thanks!:)

[Just J]

or even a specific person.

Earl :D