Your TV’s RS-232 port is a seriously useful automation tool – how to unlock its full potential

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Most TV ports fade into the background once everything is connected — aside from HDMI and USB. But for advanced users, the RS-232 serial port can unlock a surprising amount of control over home theater and smart home systems.

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With some patience and technical know-how, it can be used to build a highly customized entertainment setup, complete with automation, multi-room control, scheduled content, and even diagnostic monitoring.

What is an RS-232 serial port, and what does it do?

Take a peek at the back of your TV, and you may see — among the familiar HDMI and USB connections — an odd 9-pin port that doesn’t match any cable you have in the house (and may look familiar if you used a printer back in the 1990s). This is your TV’s RS-232 serial port, normally reserved for connecting professional calibration and diagnostic tools.

Technicians at the factory or in a repair shop have special testing devices that plug into the RS-232 port to test signal transmission strength, debug software, and check for electrical damage.

The RS-232 port can also be used in both smart home and commercial settings by enabling you to connect multiple TVs to a single source for custom broadcasts. Whenever you go to a doctor’s office or an airport where multiple screens show the same reels of advertisements and safety announcements, you’re seeing the RS-232 connection at work.

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While this port is generally reserved for business use, if you have the money and desire, you can use the RS-232 connection to set up a custom multi-room broadcast system; you can watch the same content in multiple rooms throughout your house in perfect sync, or create custom, curated playlists for your home-based business, kids’ playroom, or your next house party.

Which TVs have an RS-232 port?

While many brands include an RS-232 port in smart TV builds, it’s usually reserved for the higher-end models. Commercial-grade TVs will also include a connection, as they are specifically designed for use in RS-232 broadcast systems. Some midrange models from more established brands like LG may feature an RS-232 connection, but it’s rare to see one on a budget model.

Using the RS-232 port at home

Using the RS-232 on your TV isn’t for the faint of heart or technology-averse. But if you know how to code, setting up an automated video feed is fairly straightforward. You’ll need either an RS-232 cable or RS-232-to-Bluetooth adapter and a computer.

Once you’ve got your TV connected to your PC or laptop, you can create code protocols for precision timing, to specify the content to include, and to specify where to broadcast your content.

Also: I changed 13 settings on my TV to dramatically improve its performance – here’s how

Another device you’ll need will be a Serial Port/HDMI matrix. This acts as the central hub for your system, connecting your PC, main TV, and satellite screens to a single switch box for an all-in-one control solution. Matrix receivers offer a range of connectivity options, with some supporting up to 32 separate HDMI inputs and outputs for setting up commercial systems.

However, for home use, an 8×8 HDMI matrix will be more than enough to handle a casual system. Many HDMI matrix boxes also have Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity, so you can stream web content from apps like Netflix and HBO Max, as well as YouTube and Twitch. You can also find models that support Dolby and DTS audio passthroughs for custom sound systems to augment your TV speakers or play separate audio.

Finding the right programming language

Since each system is unique, you’ll need to check which programming language your devices use to communicate with one another and process audio and visual signals. These programs are often proprietary and require a fair bit of knowledge to properly modify for your particular setup.

If you need a jumping-off point, you can find step-by-step coding guides for controlling specific brands and device systems on GitHub; coding languages range from HTML and C# to Python and Java (and everything in between), so you shouldn’t have trouble finding a control module that works for you.

Also: Your TV may be tracking your viewing data – here’s how to stop it (beyond disabling ACR)

If you’re looking to monitor your smart TV’s health via the RS-232 port, you can purchase a signal tester for around $20. Many are compatible with Windows, MacOS, and Linux, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smart TV into your PC setup, no matter which operating system you use.

An RS-232 tester will check for dead or damaged connector pins, signal strength, and communication between your TV and PC; if any issues arise, you’ll get detailed feedback on the problem for fast troubleshooting and solutions.

Bottom line

If you are into Home Assistant, Crestron, or Roomie Remote, the RS-232 port is a goldmine. It is significantly more reliable than IR blasters (which can be blocked) or CEC (which is notoriously buggy). Just understand that setting up the RS-232 port to handle your automations or other personalized tasks will take time and learning.

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Kristina Dawson

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Recent Reviews

Why the Best Beach in Bohol Isn’t Where the Crowds Are

When you envision a tropical getaway in the Philippines, Bohol is often associated with the Chocolate Hills and the large, lively beaches of Panglao Island. For most tourists, the adventure begins the moment they step off the Cebu to Bohol ferry, eager to immerse themselves in the island’s legendary beach lifestyle.

However, there is a secret that only experienced island-hoppers and natives know: the best beach in Bohol is actually not where all the action is.

Have you ever been to Bohol and found yourself dodging selfie sticks or competing for a square inch of sand? Then you know that the magic doesn’t happen where the crowds are, but when you get off the beaten path. But what is it about these less-visited shores that are stealing the hearts of those who know where to look? Let’s find out.

The Psychology of Paradise: Why Less is Truly More?

There is a particular type of peace that can only be achieved when the loudest sound you can hear is the retreat of the tide over broken coral. In the more popular areas of the island, the beach experience is almost like a show with music from bars, street vendors selling sunglasses, and the ever-present sound of motorized boats. While this is exciting for a night out, it does not have the heart of a real island vacation.

The best beach is more than just the brightness of the sand and the clarity of the water; it is about the sense of being a part of something small and special.

When you discover a beach that is not on every Top 10 list, you are not just a visitor; you are a guest of the land. You get to witness the local fishermen unloading their morning catch instead of a jet ski line. You get to witness the stars without the neon lights of a bar.

This is the main reason why travelers are now beginning to seek out something new, something different from the popular Alona Beach.

The Problem with Popularity

Let’s not forget that beaches like Alona are popular for a reason. They are stunning. However, with popularity comes development, and development can lead to the degradation of the very thing that drew visitors in the first place. Overcrowded beaches deal with problems like light pollution (which affects sea turtles), noise that chases away native birds, and the inevitable tourist tax on everything from coconuts to cocktails.

On the other hand, quiet and secluded beaches boast of finer sand and more vibrant reefs because they have not faced the same level of foot traffic and boat anchors.

So, Where are These Hidden Gems?

If you’re ready to trade the crowds for a bit of solitude, here are the beaches that truly define the beauty of Bohol:

1. Dumaluan Beach

Technically still on Panglao Island but lightyears away from the hustle and bustle of Alona, Dumaluan has a much wider shoreline and shallower waters. It’s a favorite among locals, which makes it have a much more down-to-earth and authentic feel. The resorts are also not as packed, which means you get to breathe.

2. Anda White Beach (Quinale Beach)

Anda is situated on the eastern tip of the island and is also known as the next Boracay, minus the high-rise buildings. The beach is famous for its white and fine sand, which stretches for kilometers. It is also a peaceful haven since it is a few hours away from the nearest port. It is one of those places where you can walk for twenty minutes without seeing anyone.

3. Doljo Beach

Hidden away in the northwest corner of Panglao, Doljo is the best spot to watch the sunset. It is renowned for its untouched coral reefs and historic coconut trees that stretch towards the water. There are hardly any commercial developments in this area, which makes it ideal for a long walk while the sun sets.

4. Pamilacan Island

Although you have to take a short boat ride to get there, the beaches of Pamilacan are famous. This small island used to be a whaling ground but is now a protected marine sanctuary. The water is so clear that it is like glass, and the sand is soft white sand and sun-bleached shells. It is the epitome of an off-the-beaten-path paradise.

5. Momo Beach

If you are looking for a rustic experience, Momo is the place to be. It is a shallow beach that is largely occupied by locals, so it is a peaceful and unpretentious destination that is free from all the usual tourist trappings. It is a good place to sit back and watch the colors of the sky change or to read a book under a palm tree.

How to Get to Your Slice of Quiet?

Does it require more work to reach these destinations? A little bit. But that is the filter that makes these destinations unique. The majority of tourists go with the flow. They alight from the ferry, ride a tricycle to the closest resort, and stay there.

If you want a better experience, you have to plan ahead. Come to Bohol via the Cebu to Bohol ferry, which docks in Tagbilaran City. From there, instead of going with the majority to the southwest, you can rent a scooter or a private car to go east to Anda or north to the less crowded areas of Panglao.

The Verdict: Is it Worth the Journey?

Ask anyone who has ever spent a morning alone on the deserted shores of Anda or a sunset alone at Doljo, and the answer is always a resounding yes.

The best beach in Bohol is not a destination where you go to be noticed. It’s a destination where you go to be forgotten for a little while. It’s all about the indulgence of emptiness, the richness of local culture, and the possibility of reconnecting with nature without the filter. When you move away from the masses, you’re not just viewing a beach; you’re living the essence of the island.

The next time you find yourself planning a trip to the Visayas, remember that the most beautiful sights are sometimes only a few miles beyond where everyone else stops. Are you ready to discover your own hidden shore?

Hi! We are Jenn and Ed Coleman aka Coleman Concierge. In a nutshell, we are a Huntsville-based Gen X couple sharing our stories of amazing adventures through activity-driven transformational and experiential travel.

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