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While all digital media players are ‘plug and play,’ meaning they are ready to use and contain all the software necessary to function properly, many users do not realize that, like all software technology, it is often necessary to update them. Updating the software that operates your digital media player will keep it up to date and functioning as it was intended. Luckily, most providers of digital media players make this a relatively simple process.
In some cases, simply connecting the player to a computer via a USB cable is all it takes. Manufacturers who offer automatic updates effectively ‘poll’ your computer and, if they recognize your software is out of date, offer you an option to download and install the software. This is the easiest and most effective method.
There are some players that make it necessary for the owner to manually determine if an update is available. You may be able to sign up for update information via email during the registration process. The last option is regularly checking the manufacturer’s website for information regarding available updates. This is the least effective way to keep your digital media player up to date, as it is easy to forget to perform this manual check.
Keeping your digital media player up to date will help ensure that it functions properly throughout its useful life. Owners are encouraged to regularly perform suggested maintenance as well. While many digital media players are far more inexpensive than they were even just a few years ago, keeping them up to date is far cheaper than buying a new unit.