I downloaded the firmware file, unzipped it to a USB key, plugged my key into the WDTVLive device and turned it on. As expected, I had the option to upgrade the firmware and did it. It restarted quickly and showed the firmware upgrade page with a progress bar staying at 0%.
After 2 hours, the device was still like this !!! Still at 0% !!! Even if it says not to turn it off, I had to stop it…
When trying to turn it back on, it says I have to insert a storage with the firmware to recover. I did it and I still have the same: a progress bar that stays at 0% for hours. And my device is unusable…
Please help me !! Otherwise I will have to throw my WDTVLive away…
After several trials, it appeared that the upgrade worked with one of my USB keys. I tried with 5 different USB keys and I still don’t know why it worked with only one of them. Anyway, the new firmware is now installed, and I still have the same problem with the HDMI connection that does not work. I did all this for nothing… Thank you WD.
There is nothing wrong with the WDTV Live HDMI. There is a known issue with HDMI handshaking with digital TV’s. The issue is not unique with setting up the WDTV Live but with all HDMI devices attached to a digital TV. The issue has been addressed in numerous digital TV forums. Your digital TV manual will tell you which resolutions and frequencies will work with the WDTV Live. You will need a component cable to setup the resolution and frequency. Once you can read the WDTV Live, pick a resolution and frequency that is common with the WDTV Live and your digital TV. Unfortunately it is all trial and error. Some digital TV’s work first time others it takes time. Samsung Plasma TV’s work HDMI to HDMI. Panasonic Plasma TV’s require trial and error.
I’m sorry to say I disagree with you, and you will understand why.
Here is my story:
I had the WDTV Live device connected to my TV with an HDMI cable on HDMI #2. It worked for months, without any problem. Recently, a friend of mine came with a laptop and connected it on my TV using his own HDMI cable, plugged into the HDMI connector #3. At this time, the WDTV was not connected. Then he left with his laptop but his cable stayed there. I connected my WDTV back to the TV, using his cable on HDMI #3. It was still working perfect, no prblem.
Then I realized it was not my cable… So I unplugged the WDTV, removed his cable, and plugged the WDTV with my cable that was still on HDMI #2. Since that time, nothing works any more…
I tried to connect to the 3 HDMI connectors on my TV, I tried with my cable and my friend’s cable, nothing… I plugged another HDMI device on the TV, and it worked immediately with any cable and on any HDMI connector (my TV has 3, they all worked). But the WD TV Live does not work. I even upgraded the firmware, and the problem is still there.
Reading this story, you should understand it is not a matter of handshake between the device and the TV. It has been working for months, and since I played with the cables because my friend came at home, it doesn’t work any more. You can’t imagine how angry I am against WD.
pls check : the options regarding your TV set [HDMI setups ,preferences , video set-ups]
pls check : on WD HD TV LIVE options regarding auto on/auto-play/network on [tray to change into negative I mean opposite meaning , then turn off and then turn on and check]
pls check too : unplugg the WD HD form power line at the back of WD HD for 10 miunutes and turn back on
then : pls revert here to say [to all of us] if that worked [or not]
I checked my TV settings, but there is not much I can do here, except change the input name…
I tested all the possible options on the WDTVLive: I know my TV is 720p, I tried 50 and 60Hz, I tried 480p, 1080i, 1080p, everything including AUTO. Nothing worked. In fact, I have the AV cable connected (to see something on the TV) and the HDMI at the same time. When I switch to HDMI in the “Settings” menu, nothing changes. The strange thing is that it says “HDMI (Auto)” while the HDMI output is inactive and I still use the AV.
I unplugged the device for more than 10 minutes and turned it back on, nothing changed…
Thanks again for your help, but I’m afraid something is broken in the device. I would like to have the opportunity to plug my device on another TV, but I don’t have any…
I did so many tests that I think I tried everything. Maybe I didn’t everything in the right order, but I remember the first time I plugged my device with my HDMI cable, I didn’t care much and it worked immediately. I also know that when I plug another device in HDMI mode, it works perfect.
I now believe my device is broken. Maybe I burnt some integrated circuit when I unplugged the HDMI cable without switching the device off, but this would be surprising.
I will try to connect my device to another TV, but this will take more time. I’ll let you know anyway…
QUOTE: “Please help me !! Otherwise I will have to throw my WDTVLive away…”
You made a mistake by permitting your friend connect a HDMI cable to your digital TV. Therefore; don’t blame WD for the WDTV Live failure.
You requested help but your original post failed to disclose sufficient information. HDMI ports should be hot swap plug and play. There are no magic electrons in the HDMI cable to stop the HDMI ports from working compliant to the manufacturer’s specifications. I would suggest that you purchase a new HDMI cable and that you thoughly test the HDMI ports on your digital TV with that HDMI cable and verify all HDMI ports are working correctly. I would also suggest that you test your WDTV Live on another digital TV with the new HDMI cable. The chances are that you have broken the HDMI connector on the WDTV Live. If that is the case replace the HDMI connector.
Indeed, you’re right, and I’m sorry about that. But I must say my original post was about a firmware upgrade that was turning into a nightmare, not about HDMI.
Now talking about HDMI, I couldn’t imagine that plugging a PC on the TV when the WD TV Live is NOT there was a mistake. I couldn’t imagine that when I connect my device back on my TV, it fails just because I plugged a laptop 1 day before. I thought this was like any other cable, and I thought it was plug and play, but maybe I’m wrong.
As you said, I certainly broke the HDMI connector. In that case, do you think it can be replaced easily or will I have to change the whole device?
I just did an RMA with WD and it was a very painless process. I chose the CC route (provide a credit card and they send one out immediately with a hold in case you don’t send the broken one within 30 days). Is yours still under warranty?
What might have happened is that by plugging and unplugging HDMI cables in and out of your WD box, it may have loosened the HDMI connector from the circuit board inside the WD. Possibly, one of the solder connections to the HDMI connector could be broken. If you have mechanical/soldering ability, it might be worth looking at the connection between the HDMI connector and the circuit board with a magnifying glass. Wiggle the connector with your hand and try to see if you can see a broken solder connection.
I used to have skills in electronics, so soldering is not a problem for me. I thought about this, but I couldn’t find the way to open the device box, there is no screw or anything… Do you have any idea?
Eric
PS. I didn’t have the opportunity to plug it on another TV yet.
