This blog is dedicated to all those who use Display Express systems to control TVs. Here, we'll summarize the "controllability" status of popular makes of TVs, and we will update new facts and gotchas as we discover them. For example, a few sets need to be set in in a special mode, or an energy-saving mode needs to be turned off for RS-232 commands to operate. You'll notice there is some flux in control and features in the industry, so feel free to contact CR Support when you're planning an install - we are happy to research makes and models.

Hisense

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

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

• CR Control Type 54
• DB9 Null Modem Cable
• Current models:
  UV340C, LV340C, legacy 340 series TVs, check manual for other TVs

Consumer TV Control (Not all have RS-232 control)

• CR Control Type 54
• CC-COM 3.5mm Null Modem Cable (must have null modem adapter, as LGs are wired as a straight-thru connection)
• Current models:
  UH 610 and 616
  UH 6030 – 9500
  LH 700, 570A
  LF 595B
  LF 5300 – 6350
  LH 570A, 700
  LH 5700, 5730, 5750

NEC Commercial TVs

There are three control types for NEC TVs

• E-/P-Series.
  • TVs with integrated tuners - Control Type 14
  • TVs with OPS tuner slot - Control Type 51
  • CC-COM DB9 Null modem cable
• X, and V Models with the plug-in AVT tuner
  • Control Type 48

Panasonic

Panasonic consumer TVs use IR control that supports discrete power and inputs.

Hospitality TVs

• Control Type 13
• CC-COM 3.5 3.5mm stereo to DB9 null modem cable
• LRU and LRG series TVs.

Samsung TVs

At website linked above, At Filter By, select TVs with Built-in Tuner.

• Control type 11 for commercial Samsung TVs, CC-COM and CC-COM 3.5 cable
• Control type 10 for consumer Ex-Link TVs, CC-COM 3.5 cable
• Most commercial TVs use the CC-COM cable, but some, such as the H- and ME sets use the CC-COM 3.5
• Ex-Link TVs use the CC-COM 3.5 cable
• Note that Ex-Link TVs can cannot tune a major or minor channel higher than 63

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.

New Sharp

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.

Old Sharp

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:

• Send an OFF command through the Display Express system, using our software, our IC Send app, or your control system
• Manually turn the Sharp TV(s) on
• Send an ON command through the DX system. Along with the ON command, we send a command that enables full-time RS-232 operation

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:

• In Display Express software, send a Special Command with the text "H9,1" to the affected Sharp sets
• In IC Send, use an H9 in the first field, 1 in the second, and the device # or Zone, then Send the command
• Send the H9,1 command from your control software
• If all the Sharps in system have this issue, send the command to All controllers (4095) - only controllers with Sharp protocol will be affected

Sony

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

Skyvue

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.

Sunbrite

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.

VIEWSONIC

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!

Visio

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.