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Vestel upgrade_loader.pkg: Forced Recovery Firmware for 17MB110, JVC, Toshiba, Philips TVs

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User question

upgrade_loader.pkg

Artificial Intelligence Response

Direct answer to the question

  • upgrade_loader.pkg is Vestel’s “forced-recovery / full-image” firmware package.
  • It overwrites every partition (bootloader → kernel → rootfs → application stack → panel tables) of the TV/monitor’s eMMC or NAND and is normally used when:
    • the set is bricked or stuck in a boot-loop,
    • you are jumping to a new software generation (e.g. Michelangelo v2 → Yoda v3),
    • a service centre performs a clean re-installation.
  • The file must match the exact main-board number, panel code and software family; a mismatch almost always leads to an unrecoverable brick.

Detailed problem analysis

  1. File purpose & contents
    • .pkg = encrypted/-signed tar-like container created by Vestel’s “SWUP” build tools.
    • Partitions inside (typical 17MB110 example):
    – MB110_BL.bin → SPL / U-Boot bootloader
    – MB110_KRN.img → Linux kernel + DTB
    – rootfs.ext4 → BusyBox root file-system
    – appfs.ext4 → HBBTV, Netflix, DVB middleware, etc.
    – panel.cfg, edid.dat, white-balance tables, HDCP keys
    • Metadata block contains SHA-256 checksums and a “loader map” that tells the on-board flash utility where to write each chunk.

  2. Why a special “loader” package?
    Regular over-the-air updates (autorun.upg) assume the resident boot code is intact and the partition map is unchanged. When either is not true the TV needs:
    – a bootstrap that runs from RAM (this is hard-coded in the Vestel ROM),
    – a signed loader wrapped in upgrade_loader.pkg that the bootstrap recognises and streams into flash sector-by-sector.
    The loader also performs key re-provisioning and, from 2020 boards onward, secure-boot fuse updates.

  3. Compatibility matrix (simplified) 

Main board SW generation Accepts pkg from Direct jump possible?
17MB97 Michelangelo Michelangelo only to early Yoda via loader
17MB110 Michelangelo Michelangelo + Yoda yes
17MB211/231 Yoda / Atlas Only matching family no, needs same-family
  1. Failure modes
    • Wrong panel table → inverted colours, no back-light.
    • Wrong bootloader → unit draws 100 mA, black screen, no UART.
    • Interrupted flash → corrupt SPL, needs SPI programmer (CH341A).

Current information and trends

• Encrypted / signed packages – Boards released after 2021 (17MB21x, 17MB25x “Atlas”) use AES-GCM encryption; service files are distributed only through Vestel’s protected ‘VES’ portal.
• Signature checking tightened – 2022 firmware re-checks RSA signatures after each boot; downgrades with older packages are blocked.
• USB-C recovery on commercial panels – New Vestel signage panels expose a USB-C OTG port that enumerates as an Amlogic device for fastboot flashing, replacing the legacy upgrade_loader.pkg route.

Supporting explanations and details

Example flashing procedure (legacy 17MB110):

  1. Prepare a ≤16 GB USB-2.0 stick, FAT-32 (full format).
  2. Copy only upgrade_loader.pkg to root, do not rename unless service bulletin specifies (upgrade_loader_no_tvcertificate.pkg is common on hospitality models).
  3. AC-off the TV.
  4. Insert USB in USB1.
  5. Keep OK on remote (or CH+ on keypad) pressed, plug AC.
  6. Red/green LED starts fast blinking → release key.
  7. Wait 2–10 min; TV reboots to “First Time Installation”.
  8. Remove USB, factory-reset via user menu.

Checksum verification (optional but recommended): 

> md5sum upgrade_loader.pkg
d6c1c8fa3d0e1b2c48f60342c3a7e395 upgrade_loader.pkg

Compare with value given in Vestel service bulletin.

Ethical and legal aspects

• The package is copyright Vestel Elektronik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş. Distributing it publicly breaches licence terms and regional copyright law.
• Hospitality models may store customer Wi-Fi keys and usage logs; a service flash should respect GDPR/CCPA privacy rules (wipe or anonymise data).
• Safety: connect the TV through an isolation transformer if the back cover is removed; mains parts are exposed on Vestel chassis.

Practical guidelines

• Always read the label on the PCB: “17MB110S 23167203 232xxx” – the suffix matters.
• Record current EDID, white balance, NVM with I²C dump before flashing; you can restore them using the service menu (4725 sequence).
• Use an UPS or at least a surge-protected outlet; a 1 s brown-out during bootloader write will brick the board.
• Keep a cheap CH341A + SOIC-8 clip in the workshop; cost < €10 and can unbrick most Vestel sets in 15 min.

Potential challenges & remedies

  • No LED reaction → try another USB stick (Vestel boot ROM struggles with UAS-capable drives).
  • Distorted picture after success → flash the same version but for correct panel code.
  • Package rejected (“SW VERSION NOT COMPATIBLE”) → you already have a newer secure-boot key; request matching version from Vestel service portal.

Possible disclaimers or additional notes

• Some very early 17MB110 boards need the file name in upper-case (UPGRADE_LOADER.PKG).
• Downgrading from Yoda v3.40→v2.x is blocked; only JTAG + full dump can do it.
• A few “white-label” brands (BLAUPUNKT, OK, SCHNEIDER) use vendor-specific header bytes; plain Vestel files will not start.

Suggestions for further research

• Analyse .pkg structure with binwalk and Vestel’s swup_unpack.py (available on GitHub) to better understand partition layout.
• Investigate new USB-C fastboot method on 17MB25x for quicker service loops.
• Monitor Vestel service bulletins – they document critical security CVEs fixed in loader packages.
• Study secure-boot key handling; useful for field repair when SPI dump is missing keys.

Brief summary

upgrade_loader.pkg is Vestel’s all-in-one recovery firmware image. It replaces every software layer, is essential for rescuing bricked sets or migrating between software platforms, and must match the exact board + panel to avoid catastrophe. Use a properly prepared FAT-32 USB stick, follow the key-press power-on sequence, and never interrupt power while flashing. Because the file is proprietary and tightly coupled to hardware IDs, obtain it only from official Vestel service channels or verified dumps, and keep a hardware programmer on hand for worst-case recovery.

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