Saturday, January 12, 2013

SONY - KDL-32BX355_40BX455_46BX455_SERVICE MODE _ SOFTWARE UPDATE DETAILS







SOFTWARE UPDATES & ADJUSTMENTS


The models in this manual utilize a “generic” type of Main Board, therefore a software update must be performed and certain service adjustment settings must be changed or confirmed whenever the Main Board, LCD Panel, or TCON Board is replaced.
There are 2 reasons for updating the software on the TVs.
Software updates for customers
These updates are for enhancements or improvements that have been made to the software after the TV was released.
Software update for services
These updates are specifically for services to use during a service call.

SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR CUSTOMERS
The subject of software updates is very important. The televisions of today have advanced to the point where they are not simply a television anymore. They are evolving into devices that are designed to integrate with numerous other devices found in the home. Some examples are: portable audio and video devices, still cameras, home computer networks and accessing the Internet to name a few.
Communications with these varying devices requires that the television be compatible with varying communications protocols. Although standards are detailed for each of these protocols, the real world dictates that occasional errors may occur that could prevent devices from operating or communicating properly.
Keeping the software in the television up-to-date is a procedure that is normally handled by the owner of the television. Most customers who own computers and other digital devices are familiar with and are accustomed to updating the software in their products. If a customer contacts the Sony Customer Support Center and it is deemed to be correctable with a software update, the issue is handled at the customer level.

SOFTWARE UPDATES CAN BE PERFORMED BY 
  • Customer Manual Downloads: Software updates can be performed by the customer by placing it on a USB device to be loaded onto the TV. The instructions for downloading the software file vary from chassis to chassis and sometimes from model to model. The customer is provided with the instructions to properly format the USB device, unzip the file, and the procedures for loading the software into the television.
  • Network Downloads: Internet software updates are becoming more prevalent as more and more models incorporate home network capabilities. This method is the most practical since the television will check for the latest version of software. The models with this type of chassis provide the customer with a choice of turning the automatic software update feature on or off. If set to on, the television will lookup software information while the unit is in standby. If a newer version is available, it will be downloaded and installed without any input from the customer.
  • Built-in Tuner: OTA or cable sources having the proper station that is transmitting software update data packets. Although the ability to transmit software update is possible in this way, it is the least common and is reserved for particular situations where a critical update is “forced”, thereby updating the TV without any input from the customer.
SOFTWARE UPDATES FOR SERVICES
  1. Replacement Main Boards are now stocked with basic software. Once the replacement board is installed in the TV, the most current software needs to be installed using a USB device containing the necessary software.
  2. This new method of supplying Main Boards significantly reduces the complexity of replacing the Main Boards. Information about the LCD panel is stored on the TCON circuits. This information is automatically loaded onto the Main Board when the TV is powered up. With the correct software version the Main Board and/or the TCON can be replaced more efficiently.
ACCESSING SERVICE ADJUSTMENT MODE
  • Use the following information after replacing the Main Board or the LCD Panel to ensure all features of the TV are available.
  •  TV must be in Standby mode. (Power On).
  • Press the following buttons on the Remote Commander within a second of each other:  { <- | -> | MUTING | [+] | MUTING | VOLUME [+] }
VIEWING STATUS INFORMATION
After replacing the Main Board, LCD Panel, or TCON Board, you MUST UPDATE the SOFTWARE to the latest version. Verify the latest software is installed before proceeding to the service adjustments.
  1. Press [DN] until Status Information is selected, then press [+].
  2. Verify the latest software version is installed.
  3. Do one of the following: (a). If the latest software is installed, proceed to Adding the Serial Number. (b). If the latest software is not installed, update the software and then proceed to Adding the Serial Number.
ADDING THE SERIAL NUMBER
  • TV must be in Standby mode. (Power On).
  • Press the following buttons on the Remote Commander within a second of each other: { <- | -> | MUTING | [+] | MUTING | VOLUME (+) }
  •  Press [DN]  until Serial Number Edit is selected, and then press (+).
  • Locate the serial number for the TV on the side of the Rear Cover of the TV.
  • Using the Remote Commander, enter the correct serial number.
  • Proceed to Selecting the Model Name.
SELECTING MODEL NAME
Verify before proceeding to the next step:
  • Verified Status Information
  • Added the Serial Number
From the Service Mode menu, press [DN]  until Model Name Edit is selected, and then press (+).
Using the Remote Commander, enter the correct Model Name.
To save the change, press (+).
To exit the Self Check, press MENU.