Problem delivering firmware updates to Hauppauge HD PVR

[Threllum]

I've been meaning to ask about this one for a while. The only reason I've maintained a Boot Camp machine is to be able to periodically apply firmware updates to my Hauppauge HD PVR.

Hauppauge HD PVR driver support

When I try to apply one of these updates through USB (the only available connectivity) while running a VMware Fusion VM, the process is apparently completed as expected, but the HD PVR remains unnaffected until I perform the same procedure using Boot Camp. I've tried both using WinXP and Windows 7 VMs. I can successfully accomplish the action using the same Boot Camp system which didn't provide success when run from a VM in Fusion. Thanks.

[WoodyZ]

As a general rule I would not use a Virtual Machine to apply firmware updates to physical hardware.

The bottom line for me is to make sure all devices are surge protected and on an UPS and have as few layers to communicate through when performing actions such as this.  This is the best way to ensure processes such as this are completed properly and successfully.

Virtualization is a great technology however it is not necessarily always the best answer for everything in all cases even if/when applicable.

[Threllum]

That may be true, at present, but it seems to me that the failure should be considered a deficiency, and deficiencies should be remedied.

[WoodyZ]

Not necessarily.  Visualization is not necessarily the answer for everything, nor is it appropriate in all cases.

Flashing Firmware should always be done as natively as possible since a mishap has the potential to render the device as an expensive paperweight if an issue attributable to being done in a virtual environment arises when it could/would have been avoided being done natively.

I might be old school in this respect however the path of least resistance is always more appropriate when dealing with hardware matters in this particular area.

[Threllum]

I've mulled this over for a long time, and I think I'm ready to submit a reply. I propose that the term "virtualization" implies a degree of success. To my way of thinking, completely successful virtualization is only realized when the only limitations that apply for a virtualized system are the same ones that apply for the use of a physical, non-virtualized system. So, if I can flash firmware with my physical system, I'll not be completely satisfied with the success of my virtual system until I can use it for that as well.

[WoodyZ]

Yes you did mull this over for quite a while and I don't necessarally disagree with what you've said however... Like I've already said, virtualization is a great technology however it is not necessarily always the best answer for everything in all cases even if/when applicable.  Additionally I never said, "don't flash the device under a virtualized  environment" and I actually have in the past flashed physical hardware while attached to a Virtual Machine however it is not, nor ever will be, my first choice to preform such an operation as I stand firmly in the principles borne by my previous comments in this thread...  Surge Protection, Uninterruptible Power Supply and the least amount of Hardware and Software Layers necessary to properly preform the Flash!  Also know as the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) Method of Success. :smileyhappy:  Old School, however very effective with minimal risk. :smileywink: