10-20 years ago it wouldn't have been a forced automatic update in the first place, because the system wouldn't have had an internet link at all.
and if not that way, the software still forced upgrade by getting the data from a special passive channel from the satellite.
> the software still forced upgrade by getting the data from a special passive channel from the satellite
Ok that one I haven't ever heard of, sounds unwieldy.
DirecTV 100% had self updating receivers by that point, I tried to figure out which ones were the first to get those, but they're not big on being open with info
The manual for the first receiver I remember being able to update itself says 2006, but I can't check if that's right
Edit: I did some digging around, DirecTV's RCA Receivers + Ultimate mention being able to update, and apparently those are from the early 2000's
The manuals are something else, in the internet capable models there are sections on using your TV as an Email client or making your own website
IDK, my new canal+ box seems to work fine with no internet connection. It gets the software and DRM updates the same way, simplex broadcast received from satellite