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Toshiba Hitachi 50HL7590 Vestel 17MB170 Firmware Procedure, Panel Matching, eMMC Faults

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User question

50HL7590 firmware 17mb170

Artificial Intelligence Response

Direct answer to the question

  • Firmware for a 50 inch TV labelled “50 HL 7590” that runs on the Vestel 17MB170 chassis is not a single, public-downloadable file; it is panel-, tuner- and brand-specific.
  • To obtain the correct binary you must first read the panel code (e.g. VES500UNDL-2D-Nxx) and the exact board sub-revision (17MB170, 17MB170A/B/C …), then request the matching firmware from: • the manufacturer’s regional service portal or authorised service partner, or
    • specialised service forums (Elektroda, BadCaps, etc.) where technicians exchange Vestel “USB-recovery” images.
  • Installation is done from a FAT32 USB stick; the typical file name is upgrade_mb170.bin.
  • The recovery procedure: TV unplugged → insert USB → press-and-hold “OK” (or “P+”) → plug mains → release when the front LED blinks rapidly.
  • Flashing a mismatched package will give a duplicated / upside-down picture, boot-loop or a completely dead set.

Detailed problem analysis

  1. Vestel platform background
    • 17MB170 is an ARM-based “Smart” board (eMMC, NAND, tuner, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth option).
    • Used by many brands (Hitachi, Horizon, Toshiba, JVC, Telefunken …).
    • Firmware contains panel timing blocks, EDID, HDCP keys, Android / Linux rootFS and brand customisation.

  2. Why the panel code matters
    • Vestel builds one mainboard and loads firmware at the factory that matches the individual LCD panel’s timing (horizontal/vertical total, LVDS/eDP mapping, backlight PWM polarity, gamma curves).
    • Even two Horizon-branded 50HL7590 units can have different panels (e.g. AUO, Innolux, Vestel VES500) → different binaries.

  3. Typical failure modes that trigger a “firmware request”
    a. Endless boot loop (eMMC wear-out, corrupted rootFS).
    b. Stuck on logo or dark screen with back-light.
    c. Wrong image after previous wrong flash (picture doubled, colour shifted, rotated).
    d. No smart-TV functions (crash in Android / Linux, DTV middleware).

  4. Technical prerequisites before flashing
    • Verify power rails (12 V, 3.3 V, 1.2 V core) – low voltage can imitate firmware faults.
    • Service-menu backup: if the set still boots, note Option Bytes (TvTuner, PanelSelect, WifiType).
    • Good USB 2.0 stick ≤ 16 GB, FAT32, primary partition, MBR.
    • Rename file exactly as supplied (upgrade_mb170.bin, rarely .imi + .img + hdcpkeys).
    • Use the first USB port (closest to mainboard CPU).

  5. Recovery sequence (Vestel “emergency loader”)

    1. Unplug AC mains.
    2. Insert USB.
    3. Hold OK on remote or VOL+ / P+ on TV side keys.
    4. Plug AC. The red LED blinks fast → writing eMMC (1–4 min).
    5. LED stops, TV reboots into “First Time Installation”. Remove USB only after first screen appears.

  6. Post-flash steps
    • Enter service menu (Menu → 4725) → confirm panel and TCON settings; correct if necessary.
    • Re-set region, DVB tables, Wi-Fi MAC.
    • If picture is still wrong: load another firmware that matches the exact panel string.

Current information and trends

  • Community-shared “core dumps” for the 17MB170 are still found on Elektroda (threads 2023–2024) but most links are now protected; you usually need to post the panel code to receive the file privately.
  • Vestel started signing images (17MB211 onward). 17MB170 remains unsigned, so USB recovery is still possible without JTAG, but expect future boards to require secure keys.
  • High field-return rate on 2018-2021 production is due to eMMC wear; replacing the Samsung/Kioxia eMMC in BGA 153 package and re-flashing with ISP programmers (RT809H, UPA-S) is becoming standard practice in service centres.

Supporting explanations and details

  • Analogy: think of the firmware as a BIOS + GPU timing + OS image tied to one specific monitor; installing a BIOS for a different refresh-rate monitor will still power on, but the raster is wrong.
  • Example mismatch symptom: A Toshiba 50HL7590 flashed with a JVC 50” file boots, but shows two identical halves (“panel mirror”) until the Panel Select 30 is changed to 24 in service mode.
  • UART log (3.3 V TTL on CN3) helps differentiate eMMC error (mmc0: error -110) from software panic.

Ethical and legal aspects

  • Firmware binaries are copyright of Vestel Elektronik and/or the TV brand owner; redistribution is tolerated in repair forums under “right-to-repair” but remains legally grey.
  • HDCP keys contained in hdcpkeys folders are protected under export regulations – sharing them publicly can violate content-protection law.
  • Wrong flashing can void CE/FCC compliance (tuners unlocked, region mismatched).

Practical guidelines

  1. Identify labels: • Sticker on tuner can: “23111123 50HL7590 17MB170 231*** VES500UNDL-2D-N03”.
  2. Request firmware with those codes.
  3. Before flashing, cool the eMMC area with a small fan; overheating during write increases bad blocks.
  4. If USB recovery fails: • Desolder eMMC, program externally (ISP adapter) with verified dump, or
    • Replace mainboard (cost-effective under €45 on the secondary market).
  5. Keep the USB stick; some Vestel sets auto-update again after power loss if stick is still inserted. Remove it after first successful boot.

Possible disclaimers or additional notes

  • 17MB170A and 17MB170B use different DDR initialisation; cross-flashing between A/B may hard-brick.
  • Some suppliers sell “universal” images – do not trust unless panel code is embedded.
  • If the front LED never blinks, the standby PSU may be faulty, not the firmware.

Suggestions for further research

  • Investigate open-source Vestel UART bootloaders (projects on GitHub) to extract panel tables and build cohesive “universal” rescue images.
  • Study eMMC wear-levelling statistics; implement pre-emptive smart-TV partition trimming.
  • Explore secure-boot implementation on later Vestel families (17MB211/17MB230).

Brief summary

For a 50HL7590 TV on a Vestel 17MB170 board you cannot use a generic firmware; you must match mainboard revision, panel code, tuner option and region. Obtain the correct upgrade_mb170.bin from the manufacturer or reputable repair forums, place it on a FAT32 USB stick, start recovery by plugging the set in while holding “OK”, and wait until the LED stops flashing. Mismatched or interrupted flashing can permanently disable the board, so verify all identifiers first and consider professional service if unsure.

User question

Horizon 50HL7590U, panel VES500QNDH-N2-N42,17MB170

Artificial Intelligence Response

Direct answer to the question

  • You have a Vestel-based Android TV: Horizon 50HL7590U with mainboard 17MB170 and LCD panel VES500QNDH‑N2‑N42. Use only a 17MB170 firmware package that explicitly includes this exact panel entry. The USB recovery image is typically named upgrade_mb170.bin. (glendimplexireland.com)
  • Your set uses an external T‑CON PT500GT02‑1 (HKC) with this panel, so wrong panel timing in firmware will give mirrored/garbled picture or no image. (piesetv.ro)

Key points

  • Match all three: brand/model (Horizon 50HL7590U), mainboard (17MB170 + board sub‑rev), panel code (VES500QNDH‑N2‑N42). (piesetv.ro)
  • USB “forced update” method: TV unplugged → USB in → hold OK (or P+/CH+) while plugging AC → LED flashes fast → wait to complete → first boot wizard appears. (elektroda.com)

Detailed problem analysis

  • Hardware topology
    • Mainboard 17MB170 is an MTK SoC Android chassis with eMMC storage and documented “Main Software Update” procedure in the official service manual. (glendimplexireland.com)
    • For VES500QNDH‑N2‑N42, Horizon/Vestel pairs the set with T‑CON PT500GT02‑1 (Ver.1.2) and PSU 17IPS72 50". This confirms it’s a classic mainboard↔T‑CON↔panel architecture, not a direct eDP panel. (piesetv.ro)
    • The mainboard connects to the T‑CON using a high‑speed internal panel interface typically used in 4K TVs (V‑by‑One HS class). Using firmware that targets another panel family (even a close VES500QNDx variant) often misdrives the link and timing. (en.wikipedia.org)
  • Why exact firmware matters
    • The 17MB170 image contains panel timings, T‑CON link setup, backlight drive tables, tuner and region options, and brand customizations. A mismatch commonly causes: duplicated/shifted image, wrong colors, backlight anomalies, or boot issues. Field reports with 17MB170 sets show these symptoms after flashing non‑matching panel builds. (elektroda.com)
  • Board sub‑revision and provenance
    • 17MB170 boards carry long stickers (e.g., 130519R4) that matter for Wi‑Fi/BT modules and option bytes; when sourcing a replacement board or a dump, prefer one expressly taken from a set with VES500QNDH‑N2‑N42. (bazar.bg)

Current information and trends

  • Official documentation for 17MB170 (updated as recently as May 2024) remains available and describes software update/service procedures; field practice in 2024–2025 still uses the USB “OK‑while‑plugging” recovery. (glendimplexireland.com)
  • Community practice: technicians obtain panel‑matched 17MB170 images via brand service portals or vetted repair forums when the manufacturer won’t supply end‑user downloads. (elektroda.com)

Supporting explanations and details

  • Correcting common misconceptions
    • VES500QNDH‑N2‑N42 in this family is driven via an external T‑CON (PT500GT02‑1). It is not an eDP direct‑drive panel and budget Horizon sets with this panel do not employ full‑array local dimming; they are direct‑LED with global dimming. The T‑CON and PSU part listings for this exact Horizon model confirm the architecture. (piesetv.ro)
  • Service menu check after flashing
    • After a successful update, enter service mode (Menu → 4‑7‑2‑5) and verify Panel Select shows the proper VES500QNDH entry; then perform Factory Reset and run First Time Installation. (elektroda.com)

Ethical and legal aspects

  • Firmware images are copyrighted and often contain device‑specific keys (e.g., HDCP). Obtain them via the brand’s service network or established professional forums, and use them only for your own unit. (elektroda.com)

Practical guidelines

  • What to request
    • Ask for a 17MB170 USB recovery package that explicitly lists: Horizon 50HL7590U (or 50HL7590U/B), panel VES500QNDH‑N2‑N42. If possible, add your board sticker code (e.g., 130519R4). (piesetv.ro)
  • Preparing the USB
    • USB 2.0 stick ≤16 GB, FAT32, MBR; place upgrade_mb170.bin at the root. Use USB1. (elektroda.com)
  • Forcing recovery
    • Unplug AC → insert USB → hold OK on the original remote (fallback: P+/CH+ on TV) → plug AC → release when the standby LED blinks rapidly. Wait 3–10 min; remove USB only after the first setup screen. (elektroda.com)
  • If USB recovery is ignored or fails
    • Re‑check the filename/USB/port; try another known‑good small stick. If still no reaction, you may be facing eMMC wear‑out or bootloader damage; recovery then proceeds via UART console or direct eMMC programming with a professional tool. (elektroda.com)

Possible disclaimers or additional notes

  • Cross‑brand images from other Vestel badges (Finlux/Toshiba/Edenwood) sometimes include the same HKC PT500GT02‑1 + VES500QNDH timing, but branding/tuner options may differ. Use only when the panel/T‑CON mapping and options are verified. (bazar.bg)
  • Specs pages for Horizon 50HL7590U/B confirm a 50" 4K D‑LED platform but do not by themselves guarantee panel code—always check the white panel sticker inside the set. (itarena.ro)

Suggestions for further research

  • If you need the exact USB image or a full eMMC dump, post a request on a professional forum including photos of:
    • Model/serial label, mainboard sticker (full 17MB170 sub‑rev), panel sticker showing VES500QNDH‑N2‑N42, and the T‑CON label PT500GT02‑1‑C‑x. (elektroda.com)
  • Keep a copy of your current NVM/option bytes if the set still boots (Service Menu → Option list) before you flash. (glendimplexireland.com)

Brief summary

  • Your Horizon 50HL7590U with 17MB170 and VES500QNDH‑N2‑N42 requires a panel‑matched upgrade_mb170.bin. The set uses an HKC PT500GT02‑1 T‑CON; flashing a non‑matching build will misdrive the panel. Use the documented USB “forced update” method and verify panel selection in service mode afterward. If USB recovery fails, suspect eMMC/bootloader issues and proceed with UART or ISP techniques. (piesetv.ro)

Would you like me to prepare a short, forum‑ready request template (in English/Polish) to help you obtain the exact firmware, or are you planning to attempt the USB recovery and need a checklist?

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Disclaimer: The responses provided by artificial intelligence (language model) may be inaccurate and misleading. Elektroda is not responsible for the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the presented information. All responses should be verified by the user.
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