I've realised that I've missed the OAD for the latest 9150 software update. I'd still like to update my PVR but sadly my computer doesn't have a serial port. Does anyone know if it is still possible to update the machine using a different method?

Also, the last update that the PVR installed was HPTTF 1.00.17 - I also missed the 1.00.18 update. Can I jump straight from 1.00.17 to 1.00.23 or do I have to first install 1.00.18?

Many thanks.

As far as I am aware the 9150 is serial or over the air for updates.

I assume the laptop has USB? In which case you might get away with a USB to serial port adapter. I have a feeling this may have come up on DS already so a bit of searching might throw up others experience of such devices. My laptop does have a serial port so I haven't had to resort to USB adapters.

I'm pretty certain you don't have to install intermediate versions of firmware. I suspect that it is a bit like doing a clean install of Windows. It essentially wipes the machine clean (apart from recordings on the hard drive) and effectively starts again from scratch. So the current version is largely irrelevant.

There are instructions for updating on the Humax web site or you might want to try my http://www.tynecomp.co.uk/flash9200.html. As noted by chrisjr you can use a USB to serial conveter. If your PC is running XP then pretty much any converter can be persuaded to work. If Vista or Windos 7 make sure driver support is available for the converter you intend to purchase.

Each version is complete and you can upgrade and downgrade to your hearts content without problem. A reset to default settings is advisable after each software installation.

You can install any version (provided you have the file) although since only the latest is available through the official download site, that is the only one you can realistically upgrade to.

There are external serial ports for laptops/PCs which connect to the USB ports. These are typically more problematic with the Humax PVRs for some reason, although forum member Martin Liddle has written a utility Flash9200 which performs the firmware transfer more reliably than the Humax-supplied utility, and works with more versions of Windows too.

You also need a null-modem serial cable to connect the between the PC and Humax serial ports.

Thanks for the advice, folks. I realised that a neighbour/friend has a fairly old computer and asked her if it had a serial port. It turned out that it does, so I was able to update the software using a null modem cable. The software updated successfully and now the EPG loads straight away! Woohoo!