Firmware Updates for Samsung HW-S50B Soundbar

[davedee]

I recently purchased the above soundbar for my Samsung 43 CU8500 TV. All appears to be working OK; but only OK ?  Could it need a firmware upgrade ?  I see online that there is an Upgrade File available, dated Aug. 28  2023. 

However, I just cannot work out how to download the zipped file, open and extract what I need for the soundbar etc. etc.  Therefore , my question is, is there anyway that I can ascertain whether my soundbar has the latest upgrade (i.e. Aug 28  2023) ?    If so, I can look at other scenarios and can, thankfully, forget about trying to master upgrading firmware by USB !!

Any help much appreciated. Dave.

[Gurky]

Via smartthings app?

[davedee]

Gurky,

Thanks, but I do not have a smart pone, but I expect you may be correct.  There must be a way without buying a smart phone ?  Dave.

[Gurky]

Usally via USB, but honestly If your not facing issues there isn't much point in updating it.

[JAMES4578]

@davedee  if yoyu recently purchased the Soundbar I magine it is likely it will have the latest firmware upgrade  (1024 - August 2023) is the latest one.  could check though using settings (via Remote) or on Display as explained here https://robots.net/computing-and-gadgets/smart-home-gadgets/how-to-check-firmware-on-samsung-soundba... 

The only way to update is via USB  or SmartThings as detailed here https://www.samsung.com/us/updating Soundbar Firmware 

[Gurky]

Also to be fair, most people who but a "smart" bar have a phone or tablet so they've just moved all the updates digital.

[davedee]

James, the robots.net was most helpful. However, as I do not have a smart phone, I tried the other two methods, i.e. first using the actual controls on the soundbar ,and, second, using the soundbar  remote. However, the robots.net guidance talked about seeing a screen, somewhere actually on the soundbar (?),  where you could identify settings etc etc and eventually find the current firmware version. But I cannot see a screen on the soundbar and no soundbar screen and menu etc came up on the TV screen. Any idea where this is and how it can be activated ? Many thanks again , Dave.

[JAMES4578]

There should be an info button on the Soundbar itself or the remote 'which should bring up the Menu Button of the Soundbar's display. Display is small screen on front panel. If no smart device obviously you would be unable to use Smart Things.

[davedee]

James, there is no display screen that I can see on the front panel of the soundbar, other than an LED display , on which various LED lights appear and disappear; for example when switching the TV on, off and changing sound volume etc etc.  Where these LED lights appear is only about an inch in length and 1/4 inch in height. And is in the middle of the soundbar, a bit nearer the base than the top.  The soundbar remote does have an Info button; but all that happens on pressing it, is that spoken information regarding the current function is omitted ?   All very odd, but I can certainly see no display, other than where the LED lights show. 

Not sure where I can go now with this approach. Any more help available ?  Many thanks, Dave.

[JAMES4578]

perhaps this model does not have a full panel, I have checked the manual and there is an LED indicator.  As I mentioned before I think it is likely you have the latest update.  You could try the USB method, will only update if not on latest version and will include full steps from te manual here:

1. Connect a USB memory stick to the USB port
on your computer.  Important: Make sure there are no music
files on the USB memory stick drive. This
may cause the firmware update to fail.
2. Go to (samsung.com)  select Enter Model
Number and enter the model of your
Soundbar. Select manuals and downloads
and download the latest software file.
3. Save the downloaded software to a USB
memory stick and select “Extract Here” to
unzip the folder.
4. Turn on the Soundbar and connect the USB
memory stick containing the software
update to the female port on a Micro USB
adapter cable. Connect the cable to the USB
port on the Soundbar.
5. Plug USB into Soudbar and switch to USB
source, the software will update
automatically and will complete update
within 2 minutes.

During the update process,
the 5 LEDs will start flashing in a loop, and
then the 5 LEDs will all be bright white, and
then the 5 LEDs will flash in a loop again.
When the update is complete, the cyan
indicator blinks 3 times, and the soundbar
automatically restarts.

LED Indicator White moves from left to right
and right to left X 1
“Start the software update.”
5 LEDs display White
White moves from left to right
and right to left X 1
Cyan Blinks X3
Software Update Finish
“The software update is complete.”

Red Blinks X3
Software Update Failed
“The software update failed.

Link to full Manual here https://downloadcenter.samsung.com/content/UM/202305/20230525040336001/HW-S50B%20S56B_EUROPE_FM_03_L...