BRAVIA KDL-32CX523 - Cannot download latest firmware

[Eng_Andy]

My elderly parents own a BRAVIA KDL-32CX523 television, and for some reason, the firmware update setting was originally set to manual when the set was installed by the retailer back in 2012 or so.  As such, the TV 'only runs on v.4.017 of the firmware (full ref. PKG4.017EUA-0104) rather than the final version from 2014 which was v.4.027, last available on the Sony website on 07/01/22.

I have no idea why Sony does not offer the software for download any more, especially when the files do not appear to be that large and, as here, some TVs were not set to automatically update OTA as owners were led to believe.  If I had known this, I would've updated it manually (as I did for their Humax PVR, which still offer such software on their website) before the deadline to remove many firmware updates in 2022.

I'd be grateful if someone could help me find this updated firmware (a legit version - apparently 'softpedia.com' do hold what appears [in name] to be the right firmware and without needing to buy it, but I read several rather disturbing reviews of that site to trust them - malware/spyware on downloads they offer, for example), so I can download it onto a USB stick and load it onto my parents TV.

It would also be useful, if the genuine firmware can be sourced, to have some instructions as to how to load it onto the TV to avoid any problems.

Many thanks in advance for any assistance anyone can give me.

Andrew.

[daveyh64]

Click on the link below,

https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/support/lcd-tvs-legacy-lcd-tv/kdl-32cx523/software/00271214

This is the article that discusses the termination of software for certain Sony TV models.

It's very long but at the very end it does say if you want to get the last software update that was available for

particular model contact Customer Service.

Scroll to the very bottom of the page and click on the contact support section.

See if that gets you anywhere.

[Eng_Andy]

Thanks for the suggestion.  I did try that route yesterday before initially posting my request here, but initially I could only interact with a chatbot, which suggested I 'set' their TV to received an OTA update, which likely wouldn't be available any more because they (in my experience) only are offered for a few months after the firmware update is offered.

In 'desperation', I asked the chatbot 'how do I get in contact with a real person in Customer Services', as the website doesn't give (as far as I can see) any direct links to an email address or communications page to contact an actual person from Customer Services.  I was surprised that it actually came up with a link (a shame you have to go through that process to get there), and have filled in the online query form.

I'll wait and see if I get a reply in the next few days and if it is of any use.  I still have no idea why the last (presumably stable) update for every TV that you can download them to (i.e. that has a USB port) can't be offered via the Customer Services website, citing 'security issues'.

Ironically, because that other website I mentioned earlier now 'offers' the firmware, but presumably isn't authorised by Sony, it is, in my view, encouraging people to download it from unverified sources when frankly they shouldn't have to, especially when the storage requirements for a global tech company like Sony for this firmware would be minute compared to what they probably need for all their other data.

Anyway, I'll see what turns up.

Best Regards,

Andrew.

[daveyh64]

I would have held off from contacting Customer Service until Monday to Friday. I doubt Sony have any "humans" in at the weekend.