Is it possible to convert the Panasonic plasma TNPH0988 motherboard from a TX-P50VT50T to a TX-P65VT50T?

[stecos]

Hello everyone, I'm back with a question about a type of TV I'm passionate about: Panasonic plasma TVs!

I have a TX-P50VT50T that's in perfect working order and a TX-P65VT50T that's showing no signs of life.
I'd like to "sacrifice" the 50-inch to bring the 65-inch to life.

From my analysis, the non-functioning board on the 65-inch is the "A" mainboard, which is unobtainable.
Therefore, I'd like to install the one from the 50-inch.

What IC changes would I need to make? Has anyone already converted this TNPH0988 for different screen sizes?
They could be IC9304, IC8900, IC8901, or others... I've found conflicting opinions online.

I thank in advance anyone who wants to help me with this undertaking!

[tom66]

The most likely part to swap would be around the PDP panel controller, which can be identified as the components connecting to the ribbon cables that route to the 'C' boards.

It is likely that if you do not swap correctly things will not work well, which may include damage to the sustain boards (SC/SN/SS) this is because the modules will be driven like they are driving 50" panel so resonance etc. will be wrong.

How did you conclude the fault is the "A" board?

[stecos]

This "A" board typically has a defect in the progressive unsoldering of the IC8000 (2WS0250E), the TV's main processor. You can see the reballing procedure in this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbC9BP5plZg&t=346s

The defect initially manifests itself with a random shutdown, the TV stalling on the initial "SMART VIERA" logo, and finally it won't turn on at all...

The reballing procedure is expensive and that's why I wanted to use the working "A" board from the 50 inch

[stecos]

The 65-inch started to exhibit the flaw with this sequence I described.
I obviously checked the power supplies and they're fine.

[tom66]

Ok, post a picture of your A-board and I can try to locate the chip. I believe it's called the PEAKS EEPROM.

[stecos]

Now I have not a picture of the board A without heatsibk at high resolution in the computer, I can make it if you want...

[tom66]

Your third picture would be my most likely guess for PEAKS EEPROM device, technically it looks like SPI flash. The PEAKS is the plasma processor, converting the video signal from the main processor into drive signals for the C boards (video data) and the panel. The NAND chip is in the 2nd and 4th pictures and most likely contains the application firmware for the "Smart" TV features.

[stecos]

so you think it's enough to replace the PEAKS EEPROM (IC8304)?

[lotas]

If IC8304 is SPI Flash, then it cannot be PEAKS EEPROM.

[tom66]

Good point, worth looking for that IC then, maybe on bottom of board or might be in a smaller package like MSOP8.

[lotas]

The markings are not visible, but it looks like Eeprom, since pins 1-4 are located on the ground and are located close to the SoC.

Well, the SPI flash should also be transferred, since it belongs to the panel, and it’s even better to save the contents, dumps on the eeprom programmer and SPI flash before installation.

[stecos]

This evening (I write from Italy) upload a high definition picture, the IC It seems to be IC8902.

[stecos]

Upload some picture, also IC8000, the component that should be resoldered (or replaced)

[lotas]

IC8902 (24C64) is the EEPROM, which is what I assumed, replace it and SPI Flash IC8304 too.

[lotas]

Upload some picture, also IC8000, the component that should be resoldered (or replaced)

If you are replacing the IC8000 with a new one, you will have to look for a NAND Flash programmed with the original service firmware, since the NAND firmware is tied to the native processor (keys).

"When Main IC (IC8000) is replaced, NAND Flash (IC8900) should be also replaced with new one the same time.
When NAND Flash (IC8900) is replaced, Main IC (IC8000) is not necessary to be replaced the same time.
After the replacement of IC, SELF CHECK should be done to generate the final KEY data.
How to SELF CHECK: While pressing [VOLUME ( - )] button on the main unit, press [MENU] button on the remote control for more than 3 seconds.
TV will be forced to the factory shipment setting after this SELF CHECK."

[Tesla]

Hello everyone, I'm back with a question about a type of TV I'm passionate about: Panasonic plasma TVs!

Just wanted to drop in and say that I like them also.

I have a 46-inch 1080p Panasonic TH-46pz850u (Gen-11) that we use in our main home-theater when the Projector is not on (so many hours a day). Still works perfectly.

I also have a 50-inch 1080p Panasonic TC-P50G20 in the shed that will no longer turn-on (my brother's old one). I always thought I would fix it one day, but never seem to have time to crack-it-open.

Good luck with your repairs.

[stecos]

If you are replacing the IC8000 with a new one, you will have to look for a NAND Flash programmed with the original service firmware, since the NAND firmware is tied to the native processor (keys).

"When Main IC (IC8000) is replaced, NAND Flash (IC8900) should be also replaced with new one the same time.
When NAND Flash (IC8900) is replaced, Main IC (IC8000) is not necessary to be replaced the same time.
After the replacement of IC, SELF CHECK should be done to generate the final KEY data.
How to SELF CHECK: While pressing [VOLUME ( - )] button on the main unit, press [MENU] button on the remote control for more than 3 seconds.
TV will be forced to the factory shipment setting after this SELF CHECK."

Ok, but what is this "KEY"?

[stecos]

If you are replacing the IC8000 with a new one, you will have to look for a NAND Flash programmed with the original service firmware, since the NAND firmware is tied to the native processor (keys).

"When Main IC (IC8000) is replaced, NAND Flash (IC8900) should be also replaced with new one the same time.
When NAND Flash (IC8900) is replaced, Main IC (IC8000) is not necessary to be replaced the same time.
After the replacement of IC, SELF CHECK should be done to generate the final KEY data.
How to SELF CHECK: While pressing [VOLUME ( - )] button on the main unit, press [MENU] button on the remote control for more than 3 seconds.
TV will be forced to the factory shipment setting after this SELF CHECK."

The TX-P65VT50T service manual mentions different ICs, however...

[tom66]

Do these TVs still support Netflix being 13 years old?

[lotas]

Ok, but what is this "KEY"?

Each processor (SoC) has an individual ID number, and this number is used to generate its own KEY and write it to the EEPROM, NAND, or eMMC memory. This means that the device is linked to the native processor, and with someone else's dumps, the TV becomes crippled (not all functions will work where there are certificates).