Electro help: How to upgrade the software of Philips ME8 model LCD TVs, troubleshooting flow chart, connector voltages and wiring diagrams.

Software Upgrading

In this chassis, the following SW “stacks” are used:

TV main SW (processor and processor NVM).

MT8280 software (sets where the DFI panel has been replaced by on-board MT8280).

Digital Module software; only applies to sets where the Digital bolt-on Module is mounted (China: CTNs ending with “D/93”, Hong Kong: CTNs ending with “D/30”).

TV Main SW Upgrade

For instructions on how to upgrade the TV Main software, refer to ComPair.

MT8280 SW Upgrade

This paragraph only applies to sets where the DFI panel has been replaced by the on-board MT8280. The software for the MT8280 has to be flashed via a separate cable and -connector. See paragraph “Service Tools > ComPair” for the correct order number of this cable. For the location of the connector on the SSB. Before the cable can be connected, a hatch in the back cover has to be removed (no need to remove the entire back cover).

Digital Module SW Upgrade

Performing Digital Software upgrade via the USB port It is recommended that only qualified Service personnel perform this task. As any interruption occurs during the software upgrade process, the Digital Module will be malfunctioning. Then a special fixture is needed to recover the Digital Module. To perform this operation, the following needs to be prepared:

• A USB stick (preferable from a well-known brand).

• The software must be downloaded from the service website.

• The software should be stored in the root directory of the USB stick.

The digital module has it’s own USB port. This USB port is covered by a protective tape. Remove the tape for the USB software upgrade and should be covered back when the job is done. The following steps should be performed for upgrading the set:

• Put the set in digital mode.

• Using the remote control, select the digital user menu.

• Scroll to the “Information” item as shown in figure “Information menu”.

Information menu

Select “New Software” item as shown in figure “New Software menu”.

New Software menu

• Select “USB available” item as shown in figure “New Software menu”.

USB available menu

Select “the software for the update and confirm as shown in figure “Update menu”.

Update menu

The update progress is shown as in figure “Software upgrade Application menu”.

Software upgrade Application menu

When software flashing is completed, the TV will go into a black screen.

Wait until the “No Channel Available (TV)”

below screen reappear to indicate successful completion of SW flashing as shown in figure “No Channel Available (TV)”.

No Channel Available (TV)

Digital Customer Service Mode

This mode gives an overview of how these performs under various digital signal sources.:

How to activate

• Put the set in digital mode

• Press the Digital Menu button on the remote control

• Press the key sequence “1 2 3 6 5 4”.

The following figures show the self-explanatory Digital Customer Service Mode screens.

Fault Finding and Repair Tips

Notes:

• It is assumed that the components are mounted correctly with correct values and no bad solder joints.

• Before any fault finding actions, check if the correct options are set.

NVM Editor

In some cases, it can be convenient if one directly can change the NVM contents. This can be done with the “NVM Editor” in SAM mode. With this option, single bytes can be changed.

Caution:

• Do not change the NVM settings without understanding the function of each setting, because incorrect NVM settings may seriously hamper the correct functioning of the TV set.

• Always write down the existing NVM settings, before changing the settings. This will enable you to return to the original settings, if the new settings turn out to be incorrect.

NVM editor overview

Load Default NVM Values

It is possible to download default values automatically into the NVM in case a blank NVM is placed or when the NVM first 20 address contents are “FF”. After the default values are downloaded, it is possible to start-up and to start aligning the TV set. To initiate a forced default download the following action has to be performed:

1. Switch “off” the TV set with the mains cord disconnected from the wall outlet (it does not matter if this is from “Stand-by” or “Off” situation).

2. Short-circuit the SDM jumpers on the SSB (keep short circuited).

3. Press “P+” or “CH+” on the local keyboard (and keep it pressed).

4. Reconnect the mains supply to the wall outlet.

5. Release the “P+” or “CH+” when the set is “on” or blue LED is blinking.

When the downloading has completed successfully, the set should be into Stand-by, i.e. red LED on.

Alternative method (1):

1. Go to SAM.

2. Select NVM Editor.

3. Select ADR (address) to 1 (dec).

4. Change the VAL (value) to 170 (dec).

5. Store the value.

6. Do a hard reset to make sure new default values took place.

Alternative method (2):

It is also possible to upload the default values to the NVM with ComPair in case the SW is changed, the NVM is replaced with a new (empty) one, or when the NVM content is corrupted.

After replacing an EEPROM (or with a defective/no EEPROM), default settings should be used to enable the set to start-up and allow the Service Default Mode and Service Alignment Mode to be accessed.

Start-up/Shut-down Flowcharts

On the next pages you will find start-up and shut-down flowcharts, followed by a troubleshooting flowchart, which might be helpful during fault finding.

Please note that some events are only related to PDP sets, and therefore not applicable to this LCD chassis.

Start-up shutdown flowchart