The traditionally consumer TV supplier now makes commercial TVs with RS-232 control (as well as the “New Sharp” prosumer TVs). The codes are different than the Sharp version, but like Sharp TVs, turn them on manually and then send the Display Express Power On command. That will keep the RS-232 active full-time. We have the control codes for:
55F1600 HD, 55-86U1600 4K TVs, legacy LDTN55-86 models
LG control code is one of the best, our current code can lock and unlock TVs, as well as select inputs. If you select an input, send a TV input command to return to the current channel – sending channel command won’t switch to the tuner automatically.
Commercial TV Control
Consumer TV Control (Not all have RS-232 control)
There are three control types for NEC TVs
Panasonic consumer TVs use IR control that supports discrete power and inputs.
Hospitality TVs
At website linked above, At Filter By, select TVs with Built-in Tuner.
Current Models:
DB-E series Mini RS-232
DC-E Series Mini RS-232
DH-E series Mini RS-232
DM-E series Mini RS-232
RM40, RM48 Signage TVs – Ex-Link
H32B, H40B, H46B
PE-C series Mini RS-232
QM and QH 4K, Mini RS-232
Older models:
DM45D, DM55D, DM65D Mini RS-232
MD32B, MD40B, MD-46B, MD55B (DB9 RS-232)
ME40A, ME46A, ME55A, ME65B ME75B (Mini RS-232 and ME models do not lock out IR control)
Some sets many need to have the RS-232 port turned on from a service menu. Turn the set off, then use the IR remote sequence “Mute 1 8 2 Power” to access the menus. I
Ex-Link TVs
You may run across a few consumer sets with Ex-Link RS-232 control, which is a different command set from other Samsung sets, the caveat being that the format cannot tune a major or minor channel ID higher than 63, it does not support channels 64 and over. The feature is not shown in specs, you have to dig through the manuals to find the feature.
Our new Samsung Ex-Link code type 64 works with sets with a physical Ex-Link mini-jack and USB adapter (Crestron/AMX programmers – new code has no delay between characters).
To activate, when the TV is off, send Mute, 1, 8, 2, power quickly for the Service menu. The center direction button selects option, then Left, Right selects parameter. Select Option, then Sub Option, then RS-232 Jack to UART, and UART Enable On. Sets we’ve documented: UN55D7000 UN55ES6100 and the TH310S 24″ TV.
For the commercial MU8000 and above models that feature an ExLink input, use the same Service menu with similar but slightly different selections.
The older MU6000 and MU7000 series can use an Ex-Link to USB adapter (supplied from the Almo) with a more complex series of setup menus; download the 2017 USB Serial Control and MU6 MU7 Activation Instructions.
The new PN-LE Series TVs are 1080p displays with a built-in tuner and RS-232 control – same commands as previous Sharp TVs. The new series includes the PN-LE601, -701,-801 and the -901, 60-90″ TVs. DB9 RS-232 connection.
Sharp RS-232 Control Bugs
While the Sharp RS-232 protocol generally works well, there are several known issues with how the sets perform.
Sets will turn off from an RS-232 OFF command, but won’t turn on
Sharp sets are shipped in an Energy Star mode that turns off the RS-232 port when the TV is off – so it’s not listening when you send an ON commands. We have a fix for this built into our Sharp control command for ON – use this sequence to fix the issue:
TVs refuse to activate the RS-232 from the standard ON command
Sharp tech support warns that there may be sets that don’t respond to the command that we (as well as AMX and Crestron) send to enable the port. In this case, you will need the SERVICE manual for that specific model and serial #. That will include the hidden menus you will need to access to fix the problem. We have a PDF we’ve put together showing how the typical Sharp Public Mode setup is performed, but your set could need a different sequence.
TVs have a problem accessing XXX-1 channels
This bug pops up frequently. The symptom is that, when you watch the TV’s on-screen feedback, the tuner will show the correct channel, attempts to change the channel, but snaps back to the previous channel. This only happens with -1 channels; channels that have a -2 and above minor channel will work fine. The problem is frequent enough that we have a fix for this in our Sharp code:
Most Sony sets are IR-controlled, and our Sony code features discrete on/off and input selects, but there are models with RS-232 control and QAM tuners.
Pro Bravia TVs
While these are called displays, when you drill down in the specs, they have tuners and RS-232 control, using the CC-COM 3.5mm control cable. The TVs marked with “*” have RS-232, but do not document a tuner, but Sony does not provide complete specs.
However the new Andriod-powered TVs have serious RS-232 issues, responding erratically to commands. If you have a mixed analog/digital system, the TVs don’t respond to an XXX-0 channel command for analog channels (a standard notation for analog channels since the digital era began). You will need to use a special menu to activate the RS-232 port (at first menu, use IR remote to select Display, Vol +, mute, and Home. Go to Hotel/Pro and turn on Hotel mode). Not sure when Sony has a fix for this.
FWD65X750D, FWD65X850E, FWD75X850E, FWD85X850D, FWD55X700D
FWD65Z9D, FWD75Z9D, FWD100Z9D
FWD43X800E*, FWD49X800E*
XBR-43-49-55X800E – equvalent consumer TVs
Hospitality
There are two Hospitality TVs that have RS-232 (the /92 suffix adds RS-232, standard DB9 connector):
KDL-46SL140/92
KDL-46SL146/92
At this point, all the models have been Sharp TVs with RS-232. If you’re using this brand, we’ll be happy to cross-check the the ones you’re using for your install.
All models we’ve seen so far use the same RS-232 codes (we have them) and use the CC-COM 3.5 cable. The short cable with a mini-jack has a male DB9 that plugs right into the ICC1-232 controller.
Just when we lose Sharp as a supplier of RS-232 controlled TVs, another takes it’s place! Suddenly, there’s a whole new choice for commercial TVs. There are a number of models, with sizes up to 65″. Some new features as well, with “hospitality” control for settings and inputs, as well as daisy-chain RS-232 and IR control. We have control codes for our RS-232 TV controllers on file.
The current model series are CDE, CDP, CDX, and VT. Click the Viewsonic link above and check ’em out!
We have a full set of IR commands for Visio TVs that includes discrete power and input commands. We’re not sure all Visio sets have discrete power, especially smaller sets. Visio removed the digital tuner in some models for awhile – they seem to be back by popular demand.