Notice (Read Prior to Beginning the Firmware Update Process):
Okay so your like many many of other thousands of citizens that was duped by Toshiba into buying their cheap model HDTV LCD TV in the last few years. All the problems with this TV are really due to the software inside. Or more precise the bios that make all the hardware work together nicely.
It seems that there was a bug in this system that results in the unit not being able to turn back on. Displaying a single indicator light that blinks three times in a row then waits for 5 seconds and blinks again 3 times over and over. This problem begins when a consumer suffers a brown-out or power outage during a time when the TV was on.
Refusing to power on, the TV flashes the yellow LED 3 times over and over. This happens after normal operation suffers a power glitch event. (outage, brownout, spike?)
If this might be your problem then you have found the page that will help you fix this problem and ensure it dont happen again. So Ready?
I also have been made aware of several users now using this on other models as well, presumably encompassing a much longer list of model numbers but I have no way of confirming this.
Prior to the installation please ensure you have downloaded the update file. Click on the file link then "Open" and Extract directly to a blank SD memory card of minimum 32 MB capacity. Do not use a folder when extracting the file(s) to the SD card. The update process itself is simple; however, please read all of the following instructions and notices prior to installation. This software update is intended solely for use with the TOSHIBA Models indicated above.
The following events may interrupt the upgrade process and result in an inoperative unit.
1) DO NOT unplug the Power Cord during the software update procedure 2) Avoid loss or interruption of power during the software update procedure 3) DO NOT Press the power button on the unit during the software update procedure
Use the following procedure to update the Television software: 1) Disconnect AC Power from the Television.
2) Remove the Service Port Access Cover. Refer to step “A.” for LCD Models. Refer to step “B.” for DLP Projection Models.
A. LCD Models: Carefully remove the Service Port Access Cover located on the back panel near the AC Power Cord, by removing the phillips head screw. Refer to Fig 1 & 2.
B. DLP Projection Models: Carefully remove the Service Port Access Cover located on the back panel just above the HDMI Input ports. Insert a small flat screwdriver into the tab as shown in Fig 3 & 4 and gently position the screwdriver to the right to unsnap the door latch.
3) Reconnect AC Power to the Television and Power ON the Television.
4) Insert the media card with software update into the Service Port Slot on the rear of the TV receiver.
5) Start the software update by using the “right arrow” key of the user remote to highlight “OK.” Press enter to begin the update. See Fig 7.
7) The updating process will begin. During the software update the TV receiver will display “Software Upgrade in Progress, please wait…” Do not to remove power to the Television during the update process. See Figure 8.
8) Upon completion a message will be displayed on the screen advising, “The Software Update is Complete……….” (Figure 9) or on models 42LX177, 46LX177, 52LX177, 57LX177 the message will indicate to remove the card from the TV. DO NOT PRESS "ENTER" OR ANY KEY ON THE REMOTE CONTROL AFTER COMPLETION OF THE UPDATE!!! DO NOT REMOVE MEDIA CARD UNTIL INSTRUCTED IN STEP 10!!!
9) Unplug the AC cord from the AC outlet at this time.
10) Remove the media card and reinstall the Service Port Cover.
11) Re-Apply AC power to the Television.
12) The LED indicator will flash while the set is booting up. When the set has completed booting up the TV should now turn on. In the event the TV does turn on by itself, press the power button on the Television to turn the set on.
13) Some personal settings and preferences may need to be adjusted upon completion of this upgrade.
14) Discard the SD Card upon completion. This firmware update is only intended for use with the Toshiba models indicated. Use in any other model, product or brand may result in damage to the device and/or attached equipment. 15) Reset the closed captioning preferences in the user menu by the following: Press “Menu” and select the “Preferences” menu. Select “Closed Captioning Advanced” and press enter. Select “Reset” and press enter. Select “Done” to complete the reset.
Get a SecureDigital card (SD Card) that's < 512MB (EDIT: I've been told by one user that a 2GB non-SDHC did for for him) and format for FAT16 format. (FAT32 doesn't work) THIS IS IMPORTANT: THE SD CARD MUST BE LOW CAPACITY. Cards that are larger than 2GB won't format correctly for FAT16 (or "FAT" under Windows XP/Vista/7). So I'd just stick to something lower if you can find it. If you have a card that says, "SDHC" on it - that especially won't work.
Open the ZIP archive and as shown, copy firmware files to card. Those instructions annoyingly leave out the previous step because I think they normally provide the card. Thus, the PDF doesn't bother to mention the SD card's format. It's FAT16. If you can't locate the firmware on Toshiba's site, feel free to email me.
Ensure the TV is powered off. Ungplug if you want.
Remove cover on back of TV for the Firmware upgrade slot. Insert the SD card.
Power up the TV. You need to wait a couple of minutes
Unplug the TV. Remove the card. Plug the TV back in and wait for the LED to stop blinking yellow. (from what I've read, that's the bootup sequence).
Hey Oliver, I am having problems with my Toshiba 42HL67, The yellow LED blinks 3 times repeatedly and the TV will not come on. I googled and came up with your solution but the problem now is i cant seem to find the firmware to download, tried clicking your link and checking the Toshiba website but to no avail. PLEASE HELP>>>> Thanks