Sony KDL-46HX729 / KDL-55HX729 Service Manual ▷ View online
KDL-46HX729/55HX729 19
SECTION 2 - SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS
OVERVIEW
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.
These updates are accessed by the customer from the Sony
Support Site at
http://esupport.sony.com
.
● Software update for servicers
These updates are specifically for servicers to use during a
service call and are only available on the Sony Authorized
Servicer Portal at
http://www.sony.com/asp.
SOFTWARE UPDATES 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
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
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:
Software updates can be performed by:
● Customer Manual Downloads: Software updates can be
accessed by the customer from the Sony Support Site at
http://esupport.sony.com
.where they can be downloaded
and placed on a USB thumb drive 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 thumb drive, unzip the file, and the procedures for
loading the software into the television.
KDL-46HX729/55HX729 20
SECTION 2 - SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS
● 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 using the this 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 unit without any input from the customer.
SOFTWARE UPDATES FOR SERVICERS
The models in this manual utilize a “generic” type Main Board. In
the past, many different Main Boards needed to be stocked due to
differences in software requirements. The software loaded on the
board was specific to the model and its features along with the type
of LCD panel installed during production.
Replacement Main Boards are now stocked with basic software.
Replacement Main Boards are now stocked with basic software.
Once the replacement board is installed in the unit, the most current
software needs to be installed using a USB thumb drive containing
the necessary software downloaded.
This new method of supplying Main Boards significantly reduces
This new method of supplying Main Boards significantly reduces
the complexity of replacing LCD panels and 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 or LCD panel can be replaced more
efficiently. The software update and procedures for the software
installation are located on the Sony Authorized Servicer Portal at
http://www.sony.com/asp.
In addition to software installation, service adjustment information
may need to be modified or verified to complete the service of the
TV. Service adjustment information is covered in
“Section 7 - Service
Adjustments” on page 59
.
KDL-46HX729/55HX729 21
SECTION 2 - SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS
SOFTWARE UPDATE RESPONSIBILITY
Software updates are designed to be performed by the customer.
Warranty repairs in which the issue can be resolved by a software
update
are not reimbursable. Most issues involving software
updates are handled by the customer service center and should not
be directed to an authorized service center. It is the responsibility
of the servicer to prevent service calls for issues that involve
software updates. Exceptions to this are certain cases whereby the
customer is unable or unwilling to perform the task. In this situation,
the servicer will be notified and receive the proper authorization for
reimbursement.
It is the servicer’s responsibility, however, to
It is the servicer’s responsibility, however, to
make certain that any
TV requiring a legitimate service is running the latest software
version and to install it if necessary.
version and to install it if necessary.
CHECKING THE SOFTWARE VERSION
The easiest way to check the version of software that is currently on
the TV is to access the Contact Sony screen by using the customer
menu.
FIGURE 2-1. EXAMPLE OF SOFTWARE VERSION
LOCATED ON THE CONTACT SONY SCREEN
EXAMPLES OF SOFTWARE CORRECTABLE
SYMPTOMS
Always check the Sony Authorized Servicer Portal at
http://www.
sony.com/asp
site for any known and/or listed issues that are
software related. Most symptoms that are correctable by software
updates involve communications issues with other devices or minor
glitches in the operation of a specific function. Below is a list of some
of the symptoms that may be corrected with a software update:
● Fluctuations in picture brightness
● Intermittent picture freezing or noise
● Problems with certain inputs (especially HDMI)
● Intermittent or distorted audio
● Erratic remote control operation
● Unit turns on and off by itself
● Loss of color
● Internet connectivity
● Certain features not working correctly
(photo or video file viewing)
KDL-46HX729/55HX729 22
OVERVIEW
The primary circuits in the AZ2-F chassis used in this model series consist of a Main Board (designated as the BATV Board) and a
Power Supply Board (G5 Board for the 46” model and G6 Board for the 55” models). The G7 Board (used exclusively in the 55” models)
is a converter circuit dedicated to providing power for the LED backlight control circuits. The 46” model integrates the inverter on to the
G5 Power Supply Board. The remaining circuits are the 3D IR Emitter (HEM2 Board), the Switch Unit, the IR Board (HLR2 Board), the
Motion Sensor (HMS3 Board), and the LCD Panel Assembly which includes the TCON Board.
NOTE: For connector part number information, refer to
NOTE: For connector part number information, refer to
“Connectors” on page 56
. For Wire Dressing information, refer to
“Wire Dressing” on
page 58
.
SWITCH
UNIT
HLR2
HEM2
HMS3
TCON
G5
BATV
NOTE: The RU Board is NOT mounted on the LCD Panel. It is enclosed in the
Top R Bracket and Bottom R Bracket and is mounted on the Rear Cover.
RU
FIGURE 3-1. BOARD LAYOUT FOR KDL-46HX729 ONLY
SECTION 3 - CHASSIS OVERVIEW
Click on the first or last page to see other KDL-46HX729 / KDL-55HX729 service manuals if exist.