You will already be aware of the launch of the Freeview Digital Television package at the end of October and the demand that this has generated for Set Top Boxes (STBs). Whilst the manufacturers gear up to meet this demand there will be times when there is a shortage of a particular model, and we may be able to offer an alternative from another supplier. This is not normally a problem, as it appears that every manufacturer you have ever heard of, and some you haven’t, have a DTT receiver to offer.

In common with most STBs a facility is provided for upgrading the operating software from time to time. Historically this was normally carried out by the use of a Personal Computer and the STBs RS232 data port. Recently however some STB manufacturers, of both Satellite and DTT receivers, have moved towards ‘Over the Air Download’ capabilities. Under this system the STB manufacturer agrees with a broadcaster to transmit their software via spare capacity in the transmitted signal. This provides a very simple and robust method of data transfer, which enables end users to upgrade the software in response to a notification prompt generated by the receiver itself. In most cases the receiver needs to be tuned to a particular channel and then the customer follows the guidance given.

This is the system employed by many of the current manufacturers, such as Pace, Panasonic and Thomson to name but three. The problem at the moment however is one of spare capacity availability as all of the manufacturers are being forced to share the BBC Engineering channel on Multiplex! This necessitates the availability of each manufacturer's software being limited to specific time periods so that everybody gets a ‘fair crack of the whip’. There is no fixed schedule available as the demand from each manufacturer varies and the facility is made available on a ‘needs must’ basis. For example, if a manufacturer finds a defect in their unit which can be corrected by another version of software then this would most likely take precedence over a software upgrade that merely gives additional facilities or functionality.

Solutions Group has a very good working relationship with our suppliers and we receive advance information regarding software availability direct from them. This allows us to advise our depots nationwide so that they can, in turn, advise you. You can then let end-users know when you feel this would be beneficial. Keeping in touch with your local depot regarding this particular activity may well therefore save you considerable time and effort.

It is true to say that some of the problems that we have seen recently with some of the DTT receivers are the direct result of end-users not carrying out the software upgrades when their STBs have advised them too. Some customers are reluctant particularly when their unit appears to be working fine. The old saying of ‘if it ain’t broken don’t fix it’ still applies in many cases, but unfortunately not with DTT STBs! You should therefore encourage your customers to ALWAYS upgrade the software whenever it becomes available, and to regularly check for new software as described in their unit's Operations Manual