Automating new Sony LCD TV

[iostream212]

My awesome Samsung DLP has finally passed on and I can't think of sinking another $900 to replace the dead DMD board. So... new tv time!
After lots of research, I settled on the Sony Bravia KDL-55NX810.
This tv has a built in internet port for network connectivity, but no serial port. I was wondering if anyone has any info, or know if it is even possible, to automate tv control through the internet jack on these tvs?

 

[DavidL]

My awesome Samsung DLP has finally passed on and I can't think of sinking another $900 to replace the dead DMD board. So... new tv time!
After lots of research, I settled on the Sony Bravia KDL-55NX810.
This tv has a built in internet port for network connectivity, but no serial port. I was wondering if anyone has any info, or know if it is even possible, to automate tv control through the internet jack on these tvs?

Sony hired Tallus to build an IR controller and software control driver to demonstrate the Bravia in BestBuy stores. Not absolutely positive this is the model (since we were talking about the TV generically), but it was definately a to be announced Internet connected TV Bravia. With that said, ethernet Sony does not mean Controllable Sony via ethernet. They seem to be reserving control to the ES series components.

Same observation with their 400 Disc BluRay changers. Only the ES uses the ethernet port for control. The ethernet on non ES is not controllable (at least that was the case 6 months ago).

 

[tmbrown97]

this does't help with the TV, but I have their BD370 and it has iphone control - so someone with enough time on their hands could probably hack that protocol and copy it...

 

[DavidL]

My understanding is that iPhone app was essentially a one off that didn't leverage standard protocols. So, even if the protocol was "hacked" it would only be usable for that device. The rest of the ES's are using documented protocols based on UPnP (with Sony extensions).

 

[iostream212]

I thought that in this day and age that other options to control a tv besides the remote should be a gimme. I was very surprised when looking around the internet and in the stores that very few tv's that were lcd/led included a serial port. Most of the ones I did see were LG. I just couldn't justify a picture that I wasn't in love with just to gain a serial port. Now it is back to the drawing board cause I was spoiled by my old tv. I could always do ir, but I just don't like how it's only one way communication.