2020 LG TVs control options?

[dlmorgan999]

My B7 serial port was on all the time. After doing a bit of testing, it appears that the CX serial port only listens after the TV is powered on. As such, I did what you mentioned - I'm using WOL to turn on the TV, and then using the existing serial driver.

It looks like I'll be able to address my lack of wiring issue by converting my receiver in that room to IP control and moving the RS-232 to the TV. I would love it if I could control the TV via IP, but given what Dean said about the lack of encryption support in CML, I don't see a way to do this.

[Dean Roddey]

There's no encryption available in CML. It could be provided but it's not there now.

[sic0048]

I was wondering if anyone else has a recent LG TV - specifically I'm looking at the LG 65UN8500. While the specs say it has RS-232 control, there is no DB9 or 3.5mm connection. According to the manual, it seems a USB to RS-232 adapter will work. I was just wondering if anyone had tried it.

Perhaps more of the LG models support RS-232 via the USB port and we don't realize it.

[znelbok]

I have an older LG that uses the USB to RS232 adapter. You need a specific adapter that is supported by the TV and it plugs into one of the USB ports (Obviously). The downside though is that the USB port turns off when the TV is off and you can't turn it on via serial.

A powered USB hub may work - not sure, its a test I was meaning to try (Data pins may still be active on the USB port).

I though the new LG's used IP with the same protocol as the serial

A quick google found this

not all LG TVs support IP control. For those models that do support it, IP control is DISABLED by default. You will need to enable IP control. The other vendor products that support IP control describe the IP enabling sequence as follows:

Use the TV’s IR remote to enter the TVs hidden menu as follows to enable IP control for the TV. Note that the LG Magic Remote can not be used. Instead, a non-magic remote or universal remote with LG TV codes must be used.

a. Power the TV ON and set the input to an unused source such as CATV.
b. Wait for the TV to display the “snow” no channel static on the screen and all other menus have disappeared.
c. Press and hold the Settings button (looks like a gear) on the TVs IR remote until the channel number is displayed on the TV then release the settings button.
d. Press 828 then the OK button to bring up the hidden IP Control Setup Menu.
e. Set IP Control to ON.

NOTE: Entering this menu may be tricky and take a few tries. If the TV you are using does not have this menu then it may not support IP control.

Let us know how you get on with the IP control

[sic0048]

Thanks for they reply. Once I learned that the port was unresponsive when the tv was off, I decided to forgo that tv.

I still haven't made my final decision, but it looks like I'll go with a Sony TV with the control port - the X900H.

[gReatAutomation]

I'd highly recommend the Sony BRAVIA series which offers full control, two-way control via RS-232. You can get these refurbished at a fraction of the cost and often times they are better than the new ones due to the refurbish process.

https://pro-bravia.sony.net/develop/index.html

While some TV's say they offer control, the Samsung consumer line, for example, only offers 1 way commands. You send a command and the TV just responds that the command was received. You cannot "query" the TV (e.g., "what source are you on", "What is your picture mode", etc.).

If you find a Samsung Business Signage Display, they also offer full two-way control.

[sic0048]

I'd highly recommend the Sony BRAVIA series which offers full control, two-way control via RS-232. You can get these refurbished at a fraction of the cost and often times they are better than the new ones due to the refurbish process.

https://pro-bravia.sony.net/develop/index.html

While some TV's say they offer control, the Samsung consumer line, for example, only offers 1 way commands. You send a command and the TV just responds that the command was received. You cannot "query" the TV (e.g., "what source are you on", "What is your picture mode", etc.).

If you find a Samsung Business Signage Display, they also offer full two-way control.

Thanks for the information.  That's similar to what I have found out.  The X900H model I am considering is part of the BRAVIA line.  While it is certainly a lot more money than the LG I was considering, I was able to increase my budget and features like this are important to me.

[znelbok]

I have a Sony BRAVIA and have full IP control (Android based model). There is an option to enable simple IP control and there is a CQC driver for these TV's. You dont need RS232 at all.

Being an Android TV, its node 0 for us, Netflix, Prime, youtube, etc.

You can even turn on the TV via Ethernet as well if you place the TV into a certain mode (non full energy saving mode).

Bravia's also have Alexa control which is great. Often the remote is missing so we just yell at Alexa, or if we are in the kitchen and can;t be bothered going over to the living area to find the remote Alexa will do it for us.

I have always been an LG guy (6 in the house) but the Sony is probably my pick at the moment with the excellent IP control and the functionality from Android and Alexa