Re-Setting Black Levels to NEW on Panasonic Plasma TVs

[N9ZN-Extra]

While searching the Internet for calibration information I came across an article that indicates the BLACK LEVELS for Panasonic TVs are automatically set to different levels based upon number of hours recorded in the PEAKS EEPROM ICs.

The article I read is here http://panasonic.mironto.sk/ , the individual authoring the article is using an ARDUNO board to re-flash the EEPROM IC resetting the hours and hence restoring his BLACK levels to level settings used when the set was new. He describes how the levels are changed and when, for the first several hundred / thousand hours, through the PEAKS IC.

My question is, can a person accomplish the same thing by going into service mode? Accessing the SVC-TOOL and pressing the (OK) button on the remote for a few seconds entering the SVC-TOOL. Once inside the tool position your cursor to the top right hand box (using remotes left/right /up/down keys). Once your cursor is selected in the top right box hold the mute key on the remote until an EEPROM editor appears. There you can edit/reset any number of things on more than one EEPROM IC.

Does anyone have an addressed data map for the EEPROMs in Panasonic Plasma TVs, a chart that describes the addresses, data written, and its use?

Note: This procedure may not work on all Panasonic Plasma TV sets. I know this works on the 2011, TC-PxxST30, models and likely other series around this date and after.

[Alastair E]

Re: Re-Setting Black Levels to NEW on Panasonic Plasma TVs

Doesnt the full factory re-set do the same thing?

What advantage is there in altering the spec of the time of use/black-levels in the PEAK ic's anyway....?

Pan. must have done this for a reason I'm thinking--Resetting that data to 'new' could well cause other issues too,--like Mal Discharge for instance....

I have a couple of Pan. plasma sets, probably much older than the ones this mod is for--But the black-level is superb on all of them....
Not sure how many hours on my PZ70 --as it doesnt tell me in the SVC menu-(Box is blank) but its sure to be at least 5K by the general dust/internal condition/age when I received it....

[N9ZN-Extra]

Re: Re-Setting Black Levels to NEW on Panasonic Plasma TVs

Doesnt the full factory re-set do the same thing?

What advantage is there in altering the spec of the time of use/black-levels in the PEAK ic's anyway....?

Pan. must have done this for a reason I'm thinking--Resetting that data to 'new' could well cause other issues too,--like Mal Discharge for instance....

I have a couple of Pan. plasma sets, probably much older than the ones this mod is for--But the black-level is superb on all of them....
Not sure how many hours on my PZ70 --as it doesnt tell me in the SVC menu-(Box is blank) but its sure to be at least 5K by the general dust/internal condition/age when I received it....

The full factory reset does not reset the hours or the black level from what I am learning. Why Panasonic has re-adjusted black levels over time I am not sure and like you I have wondered about this, especially the impact of re-setting those levels.

I have asked the author of the article, mentioned in my first post, about use of the SVC-TOOL EEPROM editor but have not heard anything. I will also ask a few other questions related to reseting the operation hours when he replies.

My interest in the EEPROM editor may prove useful for several things but first I must locate data maps for the EEPROMs. Samples of loaded EEPROM data from various models will be helpful. If this can be accomplished (a shot in the dark) it may reveal a method to condition selected main boards to be usable across series models, something that may be useful in the absence of future parts availability. I wonder if there is a Panasonic Plasma TV engineer, or tech, registered on this site who might have access to some of this data?

[Alastair E]

Re: Re-Setting Black Levels to NEW on Panasonic Plasma TVs

N9ZN
.........."--your speculation is not reasonable....."

Hmm--Why should you think this? Pan. obviously did this time-related thing For A Reason!
--Hardly just to sabotage their own product! It obviously rectifies some kind of issues they experienced--maybe with only a select number--of sets.....

Also--Yes, well aware of how to access the time-indicated function on these sets--Works with others--but nothing shows on this one....

[tom66]

Re: Re-Setting Black Levels to NEW on Panasonic Plasma TVs

As the panel gets older, it becomes harder to sustain the panel without maldischarge.

To make sure their panels NEVER maldischarge, unlike LG, they adjust the timing waveforms as the panel ages, which prevents this and increases the black level.

However, it has been shown by many that resetting this timer does not introduce maldischarge, and reduces black level noticeably, and will reset automatically after about 300 hours' use anyway.

It seems like it's a case of Panasonic being too cautious. The PZ80/PZ70 panels, especially the 42"~50", were very high density for their time, and it was perhaps difficult to predict if maldischarge problems would occur.

[N9ZN-Extra]

Re: Re-Setting Black Levels to NEW on Panasonic Plasma TVs

N9ZN
.........."--your speculation is not reasonable....."

Hmm--Why should you think this? Pan. obviously did this time-related thing For A Reason!
--Hardly just to sabotage their own product! It obviously rectifies some kind of issues they experienced--maybe with only a select number--of sets.....

Also--Yes, well aware of how to access the time-indicated function on these sets--Works with others--but nothing shows on this one....

In retrospect, I believe I introduced this thread inconsistant with my intentions. Black levels are what lead me to post but not the desired subject.

Although gaining an improvement in PQ, however minor, is worthwhile the real driving element behind creating the thread is learning more about the EEPROM editor, the data, and their respective use.

I suppose the best way to learn is to get in the editor and begin looking at the data. Data alone will not provide many answers but may provide clues of use. I have pre-loaded backup EEPROMs if disaster strikes. Any advice on the Service Mode EEPROM Editor, data, or main board PEAKS IC is appreciated.

A small bit of desire is driven by companies who utilize stored data in their products to drive revenue. Ink Jet and laser printers are one very good example IMHO. In no way am I accusing Panasonic of taking this route although curiosity says take a look.

(After viewing your qualifications, I removed my comment on display of operation hours in the prior post, it was unessential.)

[Alastair E]

Re: Re-Setting Black Levels to NEW on Panasonic Plasma TVs

Ah--I get you!

You (like me actually...) like to potch about with stuff like this....

So long as we all know the risks associated with updating/altering in some cases--Unknown values--to see what happens--Then, Fine.
I know my messing round in the past has 'bricked' various things--but sometimes, de-bricking is half the fun!
Years ago, I bricked and de-bricked many an MP3 player, taught me a lot.....

Its just NOT something I would recommend for most guys, with something as expensive to replace/repair as a Pan. Plasma TV set!

As you know--Its NOT hard to wreck something--that was otherwise working OK....

As tro my 42PZ70B,--I have no idea why it doesn't seem to store data on time-of-use or its error/SOS records....
I did actually put a post on that AVS forum about it, as in maybe there's another way to keep the BL at 'new' settings. The black-level is certainly better on this old set than other--in some cases, more recent Pan sets I have/had.....

I was watching it last night, very impressed by it, better than my 50PZ81....