for anyone interested i think i've got a reliable method to flash the 0.4.7.3 firmware. I messed around with this last year and was able to successfully flash this firmware after first bricking and recovering my unit. i soon lost interest and ended up going with the padavan firmware due to wireless chipset compatibility, but i finally upgraded my wireless network this year and got a new n adapter which is supported by the wdlxtv firmware. well i decided to try upgrading directly to the 0.4.7.3 firmware again on the off chance it might work this time and predictably bricked my unit. i couldn't exactly remember what i did before so i had to go thru the same trial and error process again. basically the 0.4.7.3 firmware upgrade is only successful if you flash from recovery mode. i've bricked my unit 5 out of 5 times flashing normally and succeeded 4 out of 4 times using recovery mode. getting into recovery mode can sometimes be flaky with the reset button appearing to be non-functional at times--i find it's easiest to force it by pulling the power plug. if you've already bricked your unit and can't get into recovery mode with the reset switch you can load the 0.4.5.3 ext3 boot firmware and flash 0.4.5.3 (remove root.bin before flashing). don't be afraid to pull the plug at any time during the process EXCEPT WHEN THE FLASH STATUS BAR IS 1% OR HIGHER.
this is the easiest way i've found to get into recovery mode:
1. flash 0.4.5.3 firmware (this could be optional, but don't know as i've never tried without it)
2. initate 0.4.7.3 firmware flash
3. wait for reboot and pull out the usb drive (when power light turns off)
4. let unit boot and lock at wdtv logo
5. press and hold reset switch with paperclip for 10-20sec
6. if unit does not reboot on its own then pull power plug
7. let unit boot into recovery mode (screen requests insert usb drive with firmware)
8. insert usb drive
9. let the unit reboot and complete firmware upgrade
google "1.01.77_WDLXTV.COM_WDLXTV_G2-0.4.7.3.zip" to download the firmware.