HELP! Panny TH-42PD25 image pushed 1/3rd off-screen! - Page 2

You can add me to the growing list of people who have 1/3rd of their screen shifted to the left on all standard definition feeds (tivo, vcr, ant A SD channels), but looks great on all HD feeds (dvd component, ant A HD channels).

Unfortunately, I am one of the few that had this happen to them on month 15, just after the warranty has expired. And no, I do not have an extended warranty.

I have accessed the service menu, and tried adjusting things there (before finding this thread), and that didn't work.

I have downloaded the firmware and updated my Panasonic (TH-37PD25U/P) from 5.0.2 to 6.8.4 and that didn't work.

I have reset it with the Power - OK buttons held down simultaneously on the front panel. That didn't work.

I don't know exactly what everyone means when they say that the serviceman updated the software, but I was guessing it was the firmware. If you have had this done, did the serviceman unplug the machine, and put an SD card inside your unit in the back next to the cablecard slot? Turn it on, and take about 5 minutes while it updates?

If not, I'd really like to know how he did it.

As for the DG Board (part # TNPA3177 ), they cost currently $617 from Panasonic, but they will not sell me one because I need an authorization code. I can't get an authorization code unless I'm an authorized service center. So, I called the service center that Panny told me to call, and they said they do not like to work on plasmas.

Either way, $617 + tax + serviceman is awfully close to the $1250 current price for a new display, so I might not go that route.

The other choice that may work is to purchase one of these:

HDTV UpConverter (HDUP1500) by ADS Tech

I can find them for under $300, so that might work.

The only other thing that may worker is feeding my tivo into a computer with Dscaler, and outputting it via DVI to HDMI and seeing if that works.

Any comments?

Thanks in advance...

Bummer, but thanks for the reply.

crabbon , unfortunately I don't know which type of firmware Panasonic uses. And I wouldn't waist the money buying the DG Board as in most cases only the software update can fix the problem.

The only advice I can give you is to try finding another Service Center on your area or perhaps ask members that had the problem (like jnelaine) to provide you the name of the Service Center they used so you can contact them and try to get more info about software version and how it can be done. Yes, I know it'll be somewhat dificult to get this kind of information but it doesn't hurt to try.


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Bruzzi,

Thanks for putting up that excellent website with the screenshot of the Panny with the image shifted.

I am getting the feeling that some service centers paid for the DG board, replaced it, and it probably didn't fix it (reading between the lines) and then they did the software update. Maybe Panasonic is getting wise and starting to recommend the software update first.

Any idea how much it'll be to have a service center come out and do the "software update". I'm guessing it shouldn't take more than an hour (probably 30 minutes max, if they know what they are doing).

I'll try to get the number of a service center that has done this work. That would help a lot.

I've tried calling Panasonic, but because it's 3 months out of warranty, they wanted me to call the local service center. So much for customer support.

If you've had this problem, and got it fixed, can you tell me what firmware you are using currently?

Actually, does anybody know how to get the firmware version? I know how to do it using the SD Card, but can not seem to find the version number in any of the service menus or ...

wait, I just tried the "hold down OK on plasma, and press power for 3 seconds" That seems to give you the firmware version number. It's in red in the bottom right corner. Mine is 06.08.04. The number above it in red is 01.00.16 (anybody know what this is?).

Anyway, if anybody can verify a firmware version on a "fixed unit", that would greatly aid me in fixing mine.

So far, I still haven't found out how one does a software reset on this plasma. Nor if a firmware update is the same thing.

I'm hoping to call Panasonic, and hopefully get someone willing to help me out a little bit.

The local repair shops (only 2 within 100 miles) are rarely open (4 days a week) or have little experience with plasma's.

I almost purchased the ADS Tech upconverter thing, knowing that will somewhat fix the problem, but I didn't after reading about how several people got this fixed by just having a tech do a software reset.

The problem is fixed!

I visited a local electronics store, with a printout of the problem (picture of screen). One person in the shop had seen the problem prior, and told me that I needed a certain part that would be used to fix the problem. He even had one there, but didn't know if it was still good, and said that I should call up Panasonic to see if they would extend the warranty to cover this repair.

So, I called up Panasonic, and after several hoops, they said they would cover it, if I paid to have an evaluation done. I thought about it a lot, and didn't want to spend money on the evaluation when the part to fix my plasma would be less than $40 (probably less than an evaluation).

Instead of doing the eval, I ordered the part, and sure enough, it worked. Following is what you need to do if you have this problem:

Order Panasonic Part # TNPX25JIG
Cost should be between 20 and 40 bucks.
When you get the part, instructions will be included with it on how to fix it.

To make sum up the instructions:

1) Remove one screw in the back of the plasma in the top left to access connector PA23.
2) Plug in the EEPROM (the part # above), and turn on the unit.
3) Go to serviceman mode
4) Go to EEP "AREA" and press "OK"
5) Press > cursor button twice to slect "15 9C FIX", press "OK"
6) Select EEP "EX > IN" and "15 9E _____" will begin flashing yellow/purple once data transfer starts. (about 30 seconds)
7) When EEPROM data update is done, the unit will turn off and back on.
Wait for it to power itself back on. (about 30 seconds)
8) Do some self checks if you like
9) Disconnect AC cord, remove JIG, and turn it on.
10) Enjoy, your plasma is fixed!!!

Hope this helps somebody...

One last thing I forgot to mention, part # TNPX25JIG is difficult to find, cause it looks to be discontinued. I tried several places before finding the part.

I found it at Andrew's Electronics near Magic Mountain (I forget the city name) in Southern California (I ordered online).

crabbon, I'm very happy that you finally solved the problem and didn't have to spend much money. Sorry I couldn't help any further.

And thank you so much for the info. I'll add it to the FAQ (credited to your name of course ).





BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ - bruzzi.ws

I was hoping you'd add it to your FAQ. That has been very helpful.

You pointed me in the right direction, and that really helped.

I'm just glad I didn't need to replace the DG Board, which is 600+ buckaroos. At that price, I was about to go get a new plasma.

crabbon, I have the same problem as you and I also live in SoCal. I'm going to try the same store you did for the part.

I am also OUT OF WARRANTY but am thinking of taking your suggestion of calling Panasonic to "extend" the warranty to see if they'll cover it.

Thanks for your help!

crabbon (and anyone else),

I searched ALL over the Internet for this part (TNPX25JIG) and, after finding two websites who sold it, they were both out of stock and no longer available. Evidently, this is just a "Test Tool". Would you be willing to allow me to "borrow" this part for a nominal fee (I'd even pay the $$ that you paid for it; $25 or so?)? This would be great as, like I said in my previous post, I am outside of my warranty w/ Panasonic and can't justify paying $1200+ to get a new DG Board.

Thanks for your help!

jmsaurer,

I sent you a private message via this forum with my email address. Let's talk there, I'm sure we can get your plasma back in working condition.

I do NOT recommend doing the DG Board. More than likely, that is not the problem.

That's very nice of you crabbon.

__________________________________
BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ bruzzi.ws
Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.

I just wanted to let everyone know that the user Crabbon in this forum was an absolute Godsend!! He has been very helpful to the point of discussing this Panasonic plasma issue with the 1/3 offset monitor on his own dime. He was absolutely correct as to how to fix the problem & I did it for less than $40.00.
I bought the TNPXJIG (test Jig) from Panasonic which now stocks this part that at one time was discontinued (I wonder why they decided to restock?? RIGHT!!). I received the part with no instructions at all but, thanks to Bruzzi's fantastic website and Crabbon's instructions I made it through the ordeal. However, I made one mistake of powering off the TV with the remote at the end of the programing instead of the power button on the tv and it locked me in the service mode without letting me have the option to set the sleep timer. Without being able to set the sleep timer I was not able to get in or out of the mode so I reset the TV by holding down the power button and the ok and it reset me back to normal.
At this point my PLasma is back in action and working great. Thanks to all the great people on this forum who have helped. It's because of you guys that people like me have the opportunity to keep from making a big costly mistake in service & parts.
One other thing, SHAME on PANASONIC for not openly coming forth on this issue which, after loosing my temper with the tech guy he finally admitted to me that there is an issue. They should fix this problem by issuing a recall notice! This is a freak problem not caused by the consumer. Just think how many people have probably paid the $600.00+ for the dg board and a service guy to come out to do the repair. Thats not right, especially after paying $2000.00 for their product.
I'm quoting Crabbon's work of instructions to hopefully continue to help others out there with this issue. DO NOT PAY FOR A DG BOARD! IF YOUR TV IS SKEWED IN 480I MODE ITS MOST LIKELY THE SOFTWARE UPDATE ISSUE. YOU CAN DO THIS UPDATE ITS VERY EASY!! CRABBON INSTRUCTIONS BELOW:
Thanks Everyone!!
Mike

1) Remove one screw in the back of the plasma in the top left to access connector PA23.
2) Plug in the EEPROM (the part # above), and turn on the unit.
3) Go to serviceman mode (BRUZZI'S WEBSITE HAS INSTRUCTIONS if the part does not have them as to HOW TO GET INTO SERVICEMAN MODE
4) Go to EEP "AREA" and press "OK"
5) Press > cursor button twice to select "15 9C FIX", press "OK"
6) Select EEP "EX > IN" and "15 9E _____" will begin flashing yellow/purple once data transfer starts. (about 30 seconds)
7) When EEPROM data update is done, the unit will turn off and back on.
Wait for it to power itself back on. (about 30 seconds)
8) Do some self checks if you like
9) Make sure to power off the TV with the button on the plasma! Not the remote
10) Disconnect AC cord, remove JIG, and turn it on.
10) Enjoy, your plasma is fixed!!!

This really works!!

I have also suffered from the image being pushed 1/3 of screen. I ordered part number TNPX25JIG from Panasonic. I did not get any instructions with the part so I followed the instructions posted by "crabbon" and "knackll". However, the TV never automatically turns off and back on. It appears the loading of the software never finishes. I manually shutdown the TV and completed per the instructions.

However, now I only have 1/2 of the picture (right half) displaying when a 1080i with a DVI cord. I cannot get 480p at all. 480i is fine (and actually is much improved).

Anyone have any suggestions? I tried several times repeating all the steps but with the same result each time.

Thanks for all the great information. I have been member of this site for several years but this is my first post.

Just a reminder if you havent solved the issue yet, Make sure you proceed correctly in the serviceman mode per Bruzzi's instructions. In my situation I followed all the steps as listed by Crabbon and the TV shut down just as suggested. I made one misake by turning it back off again w/remote rather than on the unit but was able to correct the problem by hitting the reset mode on the Plasma. You may want to try to the reset. If that does not work something may have changed in serviceman mode by accident. If you can not figure it out you may want to try Panasonic service tech to run through the settings to verified nothing has changed. They were somewhat easy to get a hold of and should help considering this issue should be a full warranty recall.
I wish you luck.
knackll

Hi,
Just to let you know, I have the same problem with a TH37PD25. (Sears) It is a year and a half old so I have no warranty left. Panasonic is sending an authorized service man coming Monday to check it. I hope he can set the software, and that is not the board which I understand is very expensive.

Russell

Well, the Panasonic authorized technician (local TV service co.) came out Thursday and fixed my set! He had the jig already and has used it before. It did not take him long to reset the software. My picture is perfect again! Panasonic paid for his full services. I am a Panny man again! Their customer service people were very nice and understanding.

Russell

How did you get them to agree to this? Did anyone have symptoms of 480i displaying only a top sliver of the image, with the rest being black? The picture is not shifted for me, it just cuts out at the top.

Thanks Carbbon for instruction and I fixed my 37" plasma was same probem now back to normal life. Great infomation

Does anyone know if the PX60U has this problem too? Sometimes when I turn the tv on...it is pushed to the left. But after I chang the channel, it is fine.

If this is a Motorola cable box over HDMI when tuned to an HD channel, it's a known issue in the cable box that has never been fixed.

Yup...it is a Motorala box with a DVI out going to the HDMI. Somtimes it looks like the pic is wrapping around or there is a black gap between the 2/3 and 1/3. Am I making sense lol.

So it is the box not the tv? I ask because it is a new tv. It wont damage the pic? I purchased it at Best Buy...they will swap it out..........should I cancel them?

I'm not sure if I have the same problem (an extreme case of shifted 1/3) or a different one. Any help is appreciated.

TV:
TH-50PX25U

Symptom:
Entirely black screen on all composite & component inputs.
Sound is fine for all inputs.
PC and HDMI inputs work fine.

Warranty Expired 16 months ago. No problem, I'm willing to pay for repairs. Not happy, but resigned to it. If only someone would take my money (and repair my TV).

Calls to Panny: 7
Clueless Agents: 6
Returned Calls Promised: 5
Returned Calls Made: 0
Number of Service Centers within 50 miles: 6
Service Certers willing to drive to my house: 0

One Panny Agent said, "oh, yeah, I know about that problem. Your picture has just shifted off the screen. I'll call around in your area and get a Local Service center to come out to your house. I'll call you back later today."
It's been a month.
I guess he's not going to call.

This is my first Panisonic TV.
And likely my last.

I too want to thank everyone on this thread for their help. I had the shifted screen problem on my TH-42PD25 TV. I ordered the TNPXJIG part which is a little circuit board connected to a set of wires with a plug on the end that plugs in as described in Knackll and crabbon's posts. I got mine from an electronics part warehouse and found it doing a simple search on the web. The part was $21 and change with $10 shipping. The shipping was steep, but I figured the overall cost was way cheaper than a service visit. I performed the procedures and whamo! everything was back to normal. My family thinks I'm a genius. Why doesn't Panasonic acknowledge this problem?

Has anybody had this problem return after performing the procedure?

Glad to hear that the instructions for the jig is working for most of you.

I know my wife was happy (and so was I) when the tv was fixed with the JIG.

I'm amazed that Panasonic has not put out a service bulletin or something about it, as it seems to be happening to a lot of people.

Too bad there's not a place to buy these TV's that have this problem for dirt cheap

-crabbon

Exact same problem here with a TH-PD25... ordered the Jig from Panny on Friday, will try Crabbon's method and report back.

Crabbon: thanks in advance for such good information.

worked liked a charm!

thanks Crabbon!