Sony XBR Service Modes Adjustments and Procedures

(This page is here as a courtesy by OrpheusComputing.com, custom built computers, computer upgrades, and consumer electronics)

Contents:




1.1) Introduction


Subject: SONY XBR debug mode

    1.1.2) Disclaimer & Cautions

This information is passed along for your education only. I do not promise that it will work for your set. I will not be responsible for any damage you do to your set.

Without proper documentation and training, you can probably do a swell job of messing up your set, perhaps even damaging it. So, let me caution you before proceeding:

"Kids, don't try this at home kids without permission from the adult who paid for the set."


    1.1.3) Hints & Notes

For complete details, you need a service manual, available for under $10 from an authorized Sony service dealer. The KV-32XBR10 and KV-32XBR70 manual was $9.00. To properly use most of the capabilities of service mode, you need some test equipment. The laser video disc "A Video Standard" (Reference Recordings LD-101) is a minimum.

Some of these adjustments require more extensive equipment, and must be performed in a particular order. The only ones I have changed on my set are the H and V POS/SIZE. Virtually all TVs overscan (throw away picture), and the XBRs are no exception. As the set ages, these may require re-adjustment.

The NTSC resolution charts on LD-101 don't appear to be properly centered. I suggest using the (outer) safe-action lines on the color-bar frame of a Criterion Collection CAV disc instead. Confirm the results with the daytime broadcast of CNN Headline News. Did you know that there is a "15 Minute Delay" disclaimer below the second line of scrolling stock quotes?


    1.1.4) How do I know if this applies to me?

If you own a Sony XBR TV or monitor, and there is a small hole on the back panel, with a tiny push-button switch within, then your set has a remote service mode.

If you press and hold the button, then turn on the set, it will come up in service mode, with an extra line of information on the top line of the on-screen display. To exit service mode, turn off the set.


    1.1.5) Remote control key mappings


   +-----------+--------------------------------------------------------+
   | Remote    |                                                        |
   | Commander |                                                        |
   | Key       | Service Function                                       |
   +-----------+--------------------------------------------------------+
   | VIDEO     | Select video calibration modes                         |
   | AUDIO     | Select audio calibration modes                         |
   | RESET     | <not clear, presumably resets to factory defaults>     |
   | MUTING    | Prefix.  Follow by [ENTER] to store new settings       |
   | 1         | Select previous menu item                              |
   | 4         | Select next menu item                                  |
   | 3         | Adjust item value up                                   |
   | 6         | Adjust item value down                                 |
   | MTS       | <apparently toggles stereo/mono for audio adjustments> |
   | ENTER     | Stores new setting, when prefixed with [MUTE]          |
   +-----------+--------------------------------------------------------+

    1.1.6) Screen Label : definitions


   +--------+-----------------------------------+
   | Screen |                                   |
   | Label  | Register                          |
   +--------+-----------------------------------+
   | HFRE   | V  H-FREQUENCY                    |
   | VFRE   | V  V-FREQUENCY                    |
   | VPOS   | V  V-SHIFT (Vertical Position)    |
   | VSIZ   | V  V-SIZE (Vertical Size)         |
   | VLIN   | V  V-LINEARITY                    |
   | VSCO   | V  S-CORRECTION                   |
   | HPOS   | V  H-PHASE (Horizontal Position)  |
   | HSIZ   | V  H-SIZE (Horizontal Size)       |
   | PAMP   | V  PIN AMP.                       |
   | CPIN   | V  CORNER PIN                     |
   | PPHA   | V  PIN PHASE                      |
   | VCOM   | V  V-COMP.                        |
   | GAMP   | V  GREEN AMP.                     |
   | BAMP   | V  BLUE AMP.                      |
   | GCUT   | V  GREEN CUTOFF                   |
   | BCUT   | V  BLUE CUTOFF                    |
   | CROM   | V  CHROMA TRAP                    |
   | SPIX   | V  PICTURE                        |
   | SHUE   | V  HUE                            |
   | SCOL   | V  COLOR                          |
   | SBRT   | V  BRIGHT                         |
   | RGBP   | V  RGB PICTURE                    |
   | MPX    | A  ATT                            |
   | FILO   | A  I1                             |
   | DEEM   | A  I2                             |
   | STEV   | A  OSC1                           |
   | SAPV   | A  OSC2                           |
   | PILO   | A  PILOT                          |
   | SEP    | A  WIDE BAND                      |
   | VD     | A  SPECTRAL                       |
   | LVOL   | A  VOLUME-L                       |
   | RVOL   | A  VOLUME-R                       |
   | SHAR   | V  SHARPNESS                      |
   | DISP   |    (3)PWM OUTPUT                  |
   +--------+-----------------------------------+

  1.2) Adjusting everything

Okay, for all you Sony XBR owners who need a pick-me-up, here are the secret (as in service manual) steps for adjusting everything your set can adjust! These instructions apply to the Sony KV-27XBR10/27XBR60 models, which use the Remote Commander (TM) model RM-762. I'm not going to describe the methods for all the adjustments. I suggest that you obtain a copy of the service manual if you want more information.

Once you make the adjustments, the set will retain them until you unplug it (at which time it reverts to its EPROM settings) UNLESS you write your changes to the EPROM. Once you do that, the changes become the default (until changed and saved to the EPROM again). I strongly suggest that before you adjust anything, you step through all the parameters and write down their current settings, so that you can undo any changes you make if you need to.


    1.2.1) Getting into Service Mode

Locate the service switch, which is on the rear of the set, just below the "VIDEO n IN" connectors. It is a recessed switch which I use half a Q-Tip (TM) to depress. Turn on the set while depressing the service switch. The word "SERVICE" will appear in the upper left corner of the screen, superimposed over the video image. The parameter label is displayed in the upper middle of the the video image. The current parameter value (a hexadecimal number) is displayed in the upper right corner of the screen.

While in service mode, you can still change channels using the UP and DOWN buttons (but not the numeric keypad) and sources, by pressing the corresponding "VIDEO n" button.


    1.2.2) Getting out of Service Mode

Turn the set off. When it is next turned on, it will be in TV mode. Any adjustments made will be in effect.


    1.2.3) Resetting the Set to its EPROM defaults

This will clear any adjustments made that were not saved to EPROM. Unplug the set. When it is next plugged in and turned on, it will revert to its saved EPROM defaults.


    1.2.4) Getting back to the Before-I-Screwed-With-It EPROM defaults.

You can't. That is why you should write down all the defaults as they are now.


    1.2.5) Adjustment Controls

The Remote Commander is used to adjust the set. The buttons used are:


     1        item up
     4        item down
     3        data up
     6        data down
     MTS
     MUTING   prepare to store changes to EPROM
     ENTER    store changes to EPROM (must be preceeded by MUTE).

    1.2.6) Adjustments


      1.2.6.1) Video adjustments


        Label    Name
        HFRE    H-FREQUENCY
        VFRE    V-FREQUENCY
        VPOS    V-SHIFT
        VSIZ    V-SIZE
        VLIN    V-LINEARITY
        VSCO    S-CORRECTION
        HPOS    H-PHASE
        HSIZ    H-SIZE
        PAMP    PIN AMP.
        CPIN    CORNER PIN
        PPHA    PIN PHASE
        VCOM    V-COMP.
        GAMP    GREEN AMP.
        BAMP    BLUE AMP.
        GCUT    GREEN CUTOFF
        BCUT    BLUE CUTOFF
        CROM    CHROMA TRAP
        SPIX    PICTURE
        SHUE    HUE
        SCOL    COLOR
        SBRT    BRIGHTNESS
        RGBP    RGB PICTURE

      1.2.6.2) Audio Adjustments


        Label    Name
        MPX     ATT
        FILO    I1
        DEEM    I2
        STEV    OSC1
        SAPV    OSC2
        PILO    PILOT
        SEP     WIDE BAND
        VD      SPECTRAL
        LVOL    VOLUME-L
        RVOL    VOLUME-R
        SHAP    SHARPNESS
        DISP    PWM OUTPUT

    1.2.7) Sample Adjustments

Before entering service mode, (i.e. with the TV on normally), press the VIDEO button and then the RESET button to reset all user VIDEO settings to their defaults. Then do the same for the user AUDIO settings. This will insure that the picture you are adjusting is not influenced by any of the user settings.

You must be in service mode to make any adjustments


      1.2.7.1) Vertical Size Adjustment

  1. Receive a cross-hatch pattern. (I used a computer and a "paint" program to display a crosshatch pattern on the screen)
  2. Use buttons 1 and 4 (item up/down) to scroll to the VSIZ parameter. (Make note of the current value, just in case)
  3. Press buttons 3 and 6 (data up/down) to adjust the vertical size up or down until satisfactory.

      1.2.7.2) Pin Amp., Corner Amp., and Pin Phase Adjustment

  1. Receive a cross-hatch pattern
  2. Press buttons 1 and 4 to scroll to one of PAMP, CPIN, or PPHA.
  3. Press buttons 3 and 6 to obtain the best picture.

The manual has a diagram to illustrate the effect of each of the "pin" parameters. The diagrams show how vertical lines are effected by the buttons.

PIN AMP

             )|(   ->   |||  <-  (|)
CORNER PIN

            ]}|{[  ->  ||||  <- [{|}]
PIN PHASE

             /|\   ->   |||  <-  \|/

    1.2.8) Writing the Results of the Adjustments to EPROM

Are you certain that you want to save the adjustments? If you only want to use them temporarily, simply leave service mode now. Your adjustments will remain in effect until the set is unplugged.

Writing to the EPROM will allow changes to survive unplugging the set. Hold the piece of paper upon which you wrote down the old EPROM settings in one hand. (If you haven't written down the original settings, you can still return to the old settings at this point by turning the set off and pulling the plug.) With the other hand, press the MUTING button once. The word "WRITE" appears on the screen in red. This is your last chance to back out. Press the ENTER button once. The color of the word "WRITE" changes to yellow. Your changes have now been saved to EPROM. --------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 2


  2.2) Introduction

Most Sony TV's made since 1990 have electronic service adjustments. This means that adjustments like picture geometry, white balance, and colour presets are adjusted via on screen displays, using the remote control.

Here are some generic instructions on how to get to the adjustments, and a listing of the adjustments that may be made.

These apply to North American (NTSC 3.58) TV's only, to the best of my knowledge.


  2.3) Warning!

Please don't mess around with the service adjustments unless you know what you're doing! Remember, if something goes wrong, don`t save the adjustment! Just unplug the TV and plug it back in, and any unsaved adjustments will be restored to their factory presets. Also, the TV will be out of service mode now.

I strongly recommend that you get the SAMS or Sony service manual for your TV before you change any settings.

As you modify settings, record the factory preset values so that you may return to them if something goes wrong. Also, record your new values, in case they aren`t saved properly. Nominal values are listed below for most settings below. And, please, please, please, don't mess with the ID-x settings! These are different for every chassis, so the nominal values below won't probably be valid!


  2.4) Procedure

Before entering service mode, turn on the TV and tune in a good picture; turn it off.

Look at the jack panel on the back of the set; is there a service switch? This is a small, round opening in the cabinet near the video 1/video 2 inputs or the antenna jack.

If so (typically on early-90's TV's), push a plastic pen cap or similar device into the opening while turning the power on. The TV should now be in service mode.

If there is no service switch (typically on more recent TV's) type the following sequence on the remote (within one second of each other):

[DISPLAY] [5] [VOL +] [POWER]

If that doesn't work, turn the TV off and try:

[DISPLAY] [5] [POWER]

The TV should turn on in service mode.


Press 1 and 4 to select the adjustment to be made.

Press 3 and 6 to make the adjustment.


Note: You must save all correct adjustments you make:

Press [MUTING] [ENTER] (on the remote) after every adjustment you wish to keep!


  2.5) Verify settings

To verify that the settings have been stored, unplug the TV, wait a few seconds, plug the TV back in, reenter service mode, and ensure that the settings are correct.

  2.6) List of Settings

Here is the list of settings.

(*) denotes set-up adjustments - return them to their nominal values after alignment.


Display       Description              Data Range   Nominal Value
-----------------------------------------------------------------
AFC           AFC Loop Gain            0-3          0 *
HFRE          Horizontal Frequency     0-127        70
VFRE          Vertical Frequency       0-31         14
VPOS          Vertical Center          0-31         17
VSIZ          Vertical Size            0-63         28
VLIN          Vertical Linearity       0-15         8
VSCO          Vertical Correction      0-15         6
HPOS          Horizontal Center        0-15         6
HSIZ          Horizontal Size          0-31         31
PAMP          Pincushion Amp           0-31         24
CPIN          Corner Pincushion        0-7          3
PPHA          Pincushion Phase         0-15         6
VCOM          V Compensation           0-7          2 *
GAMP          Green Amp.               0-31         20
BAMP          Blue Amp.                0-31         17
GCUT          Green Cutoff             0-15         7
BCUT          Blue Cutoff              0-15         8
CROM          Chroma Trap              0-63         28 *
SPIX          Sub Contrast [Picture]   0-63         20
SHUE          Sub Hue                  0-63         33
SCOL          Sub Colour               0-63         32
SBRT          Sub Brightness           0-63         35
RGBP          RGB Picture              0-63         30 *
SHAP          Sharpness                0-15         10 *
VSMO          V Pull In Range          0,1          0 *
REF           Reference Line           0-3          2 *
ROFF          Red Out                  0,1          1 *
GOFF          Green Out                0,1          1 *
BOFF          Blue Out                 0,1          1 *
ABLM          ABL Mode                 0,1          0 *
NOTC          Notch On/Off             0,1          1 *
DRGB          OSD Intensity            0,1          0 *
DISP          Display Position         0-63         40
DPDV          Lumipon (dpdv)           0-3          1 *
MPIC          Lumipon (depth)          0-63         48 *
SVOL          Sub Volume               0-15         0 *
SBAL          Sub Balance              0-15         7
BASS          Sub Bass                 0-15         8 *
TRE           Sub Treble               0-15         8 *
UYBO          Upper Y Bow              0-63         31
LYBO          Lower Y Bow              0-63         25
HAMP          Horiz Amp                0-63         33
HTIL          Horiz Tilt               0-63         33
UCBO          Upper C Bow              0-63         38
UTIL          Upper Tilt               0-63         40
LCBO          Lower C Bow              0-63         41
LTIL          Lower Tilt               0-63         46
DCSH          DC Shift                 0-63         37
PHPO          PIP Horiz Position       0-127        76
PHUE          PIP Hue                  0-31         0 *
ID-0          Model ID                 0-127        =
ID-1          Model ID                 0-127        =
ID-2          Model ID                 0-127        =
ID-3          Model ID                 0-127        =
ID-4          Model ID                 0-127        =
= When IC 102 is replaced, these values must be reset. Here are the nominal values for a few chassis:


Model #            ID-0   ID-1   ID-2   ID-3   ID-4
----------------------------------------------------
KV-27S10           64     77     64     0      16
KV-29RS10          64     77     64     0      16
KV-32S10           72     77     64     0      16
KV-27V10           120    127    72     0      17
KV-27V10C          120    127    32     0      17
KV-27V10M          120    127    32     0      17

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