Key Takeaways
1. A faulty firmware update (v1020.7) is causing multiple Samsung soundbar models to become unusable, including the HW-Q990D and HW-Q930D.
2. Users report that the update fails to install correctly, leading to disconnections of sub-woofers and rear speakers, and rendering the soundbar stuck on the TV eARC screen.
3. Disabling automatic updates through the SmartThings app is recommended to prevent the faulty firmware from installing.
4. Samsung has not issued an official statement but is responding to customers, offering repairs or technician visits for affected soundbars.
5. Out-of-warranty users may face high repair costs, with reports of charges up to €300 for a PCB replacement.
A faulty firmware update is making a lot of Samsung soundbars unusable. This problem seems to be common and impacts various models, including Samsung’s top soundbar, the HW-Q990D, as well as others like the HW-Q930D, Q800D, S801D, and Q700D.
User Reports on Forums
The Samsung Community forum and the /r/Soundbars subreddit are overwhelmed with complaints from users about their soundbars being bricked. The issue stems from the latest firmware update, v1020.7, released on March 10th. According to user feedback, the over-the-air (OTA) update doesn’t install correctly, often stopping halfway. This causes the sub-woofer and rear speakers to disconnect from the main soundbar. After the failed update, users can switch on the soundbar, but it remains stuck on the TV eARC screen, won’t make any sound, and can’t connect to Wi-Fi, rendering the system effectively useless. To add to the frustration, users report that they are unable to perform a factory reset, a common fix for software issues.
Widespread Issues Across Models
While the HW-Q990D and HW-Q930D are facing the most complaints, it’s clear that this isn’t just a one-off case. Owners of the Q910D, Q800D, S801D, and Q700D are also experiencing similar problems.
If you have a Samsung soundbar, it’s best to disable automatic updates to stop the faulty firmware from installing in the first place. To do this, open the SmartThings app on your phone, tap the menu option at the bottom, then select the gear icon at the top, and switch off “Auto update devices and services.” Interestingly, some users have had luck manually flashing the update using a USB drive. However, this fix isn’t guaranteed, and turning off auto-updates is the safer option.
Samsung’s Response
As of now, Samsung hasn’t issued an official statement regarding the v1020.7 bug. However, they are reaching out to individual customers through their support channels. Some reports indicate that Samsung is advising users to send their soundbars in for repairs. Others have been more fortunate, with Samsung sending technicians to their homes for diagnosis. Unfortunately, the response is not uniform; some customers are being told to return their entire setup, including the soundbar, subwoofer, and rear speakers, to the manufacturer.
There are indications that Samsung is aware of the situation and is taking steps to address it, at least in certain areas. One user from Thailand mentioned that after their Q990D soundbar was bricked by the update, Samsung technicians came with a replacement PCB (printed circuit board). They skipped the software troubleshooting and simply swapped the faulty board, restoring the soundbar in just 10 minutes. This user was also advised to disable automatic updates and wait at least a month before trying to update again.
Repair Costs for Out-of-Warranty Units
However, if your device is out of warranty, you could be facing repair costs. A Reddit user, /r/Skudnu, with an older Q90R model, reported getting a €300 bill for a PCB replacement. That’s quite expensive.
The v1020.7 firmware update is evidently causing major issues for Samsung soundbar owners. Until Samsung provides a long-term solution or an official announcement, the best course of action is to turn off auto-updates and disconnect the device from Wi-Fi. If your soundbar has already been affected, reach out to Samsung support, but be ready for the possibility of repair charges, especially if your warranty has expired.
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