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


Sony Bravia 2 II TV

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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.

Also: Samsung’s R95H Micro RGB impressed me more than any TV since my first OLED

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. 

9-pin port

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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. 

Also: The best TVs to buy: Expert tested and recommended

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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2026 has shaped up to be a big year for Milwaukee, and the company shows no signs of slowing down as it expands its product line. For example, it has announced that some solid new Milwaukee hand tools and organizers will be arriving throughout the summer, but that’s not all. At the end of the day, you need somewhere to put all of this stuff, and while the Milwaukee Packout storage system is deep and varied as is, the company will expand the line in the summer months.

More methods for organizing your tools are on the way, too, with the Milwaukee Packout line set to introduce some new entries this summer. They vary in size, purpose, and price point, but they’re all compatible with the wider Packout line. That means they can connect to each other, making transportation easier. In some cases, they’ll be able to help keep tools and other items secure and organized while on the move. Additionally, all of these new Packout products are covered by Milwaukee’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.

So, what new products does Milwaukee have to offer from its Packout line this summer? Here are the drops you can look forward to throughout June and July 2026.

Milwaukee compact crate

Sometimes, a massive Packout crate isn’t a necessity, which is why the line has its share of smaller options. Yet another will be coming to the Milwaukee catalog in the form of the Milwaukee Packout compact crate, which is set for a June 2026 release and will cost $39.97. It has a 30-pound weight capacity, comes in at 8.75 inches tall, 9.5 inches wide, 15.5 inches long, and 3.75 pounds, and includes two removable dividers to create up to three sections within the crate. The dividers can also be customized by cutting them to size along the pre-made score lines.

This compact crate features a wide front opening for easy access to its contents while on the job, as well as a metal top handle to carry it around on its own. Should you want to add it to your current Packout stack, you can use the connection points at the top and bottom of the crate. Speaking of durability, Milwaukee notes that it has an impact-resistant body along with weep holes to prevent water collection. At the same time, there is some nuance regarding the waterproof nature of Milwaukee Packout products, so keep that in mind before letting this crate get soaked.

Milwaukee Packout low-profile crate

A shorter but equally mighty Milwaukee Packout container is also on its way to customers this summer. The Milwaukee Packout low-profile crate is the shortest of the new releases at just 6.625 inches tall, though it makes up for what it lacks in height with a 15-inch length and an 18.625-inch width. Even though it’s slightly heavier than the compact crate at 4.85 pounds, it wins out in weight capacity with a 50-pound limit. It will be released in June 2026 and will cost $44.97.

For added modularity, the low-profile crate includes three different divider types: eight short, two long, and one for the middle of the container. When combined, they form up to 12 individual sections for tool and accessory organization. In terms of connecting to other Packout containers, it can do so from the top and bottom. Alternatively, built-in side handles are integrated into the design to make it easier to carry the crate on its own. The crate has weep holes for water drainage and an impact-resistant body.

Milwaukee Packout XL crate

Moving on to one of the larger upcoming Milwaukee Packout releases — even if it ultimately lands somewhere in the middle of the smallest and largest Packout containers for sale — there’s the aptly-named Milwaukee Packout XL crate. This release will hit shelves in June 2026 and comes with a $69.97 price tag. The 8.03-pound crate can take on some serious tools with its 75-pound weight capacity. It measures 15 inches tall, 15.75 inches long, and 18.625 inches wide. Despite its size, it can be hung up on a wall like most other Packout containers.

While some may hang this crate in their workshop, many will use it as part of their mobile Packout stack. You can connect it to your existing setup via the top and bottom connection points. It can also be used with Milwaukee toolbox attachments to hold smaller tools and batteries with connection points on the sides. Alternatively, you can move the crate around using its built-in side handles. It’s advertised as having an impact-resistant body along with anti-water collection weep holes. Suffice to say, there’s more to this seemingly simple crate than initially meets the eye.

Milwaukee Packout Wire Pulling XL Crate

For the most part, the Milwaukee Packout line is so popular because of its versatility. While most entries can be used for just about anything, there are those that come with a specialized function. Case in point, the forthcoming Milwaukee Packout Wire Pulling XL crate, which is designed for dispensing wire. This involves inserting and locking in spools of the user’s needed material, threading the wire through the wire retention slots, and using the fold-down panel to keep the end of the wire from rolling back into the box.

Overall, this crate has the same dimensions and weight capacity as the previously covered Packout XL crate, though it is the heavier of the two at 9.85 pounds. It can accommodate up to six spools, can be stacked onto other Packout containers or hung up, and has an impact-resistant body. This is the most expensive of the new Packout releases at a hefty $119.97, and it’s set to release during July 2026. Alongside the best Milwaukee power tools for electrical work, this crate seems like a vital piece for any Milwaukee-enthusiast electrician’s kit.

New Milwaukee Packout inserts are coming, too

That’s it for the new Milwaukee Packout containers set to debut this summer, but there are more new releases yet to cover. To pair with some of these containers and improve their levels of organization and function, come two new insert sets. First is the divider for the Milwaukee Packout XL crate, which splits the container into two sections. It simply slides down the middle of the crate and fits snugly into place, while retaining its ability to connect with smaller Packout attachments. It will be released in July 2026 for $29.97.

Alongside the Packout XL crate divider is the set of Packout wire pulling inserts for the XL crate. You’ll need these if you end up buying an XL crate and later want to use it as a wire-pulling crate. These inserts allow you to convert it instead of having to buy a new designated wire pulling crate. They attach to two of the inner sides of the crate via T-25 screws and include wire puller guards as well. The Milwaukee product listing says these inserts are meant for 1/2-inch EMT conduit. This insert set also comes out in July and will cost $49.97. 





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