Approximately 2 years ago we installed a multi-room system based around a Xantech MRC88. In the kitchen we installed a Sharp LC30 HV4E LCD TV, which was controlled by a pronto pro.

2 years on and we are now installing a Crestron front end to control the multiroom and the Theatre room, Using TPS4Ls, TPMC10s, and a TPMC4X. No problem, the previously installed fujitsu plasmas, Denon AV Amp, DVD player, SIM2 projector and the Sharp LCD TV all have RS232 and discrete codes so full integration and automation would be a doddle.

Wrong. The sharp LCD RS232 protocol listed in the manual lists a power off command "POWR0 "/r which does indeed switch the screen off, however the protocol does NOT list a power on command! We have tried the power on code for a later screen "POWR1 "/r, and in desperation every other code that is listed in the protocol list but none of them will turn the screen on!

What is the point of providing RS232 discrete control if once you have turned the screen off you cannot then turn it back on. Strangely when the screen is on and you query its power status the screen returns a 0 indicating it is off! When the screen is off sending any command or query gets no response back from the screen, maybe the box has powered down the serial port, or maybe it will ONLY respond to a correct power on command that is not listed in the protocol given in the manual.

Surely we must be missing something here, is there a code that is not listed that turns it on, or is this just a Sharp c**kup? Even on the infrared remote you cannot turn the screen on by any other button other than the power toggle.

Has anyone come across this and know the missing code, what we may be doing wrong, or found a way around it? We did consider using an infrared emitter to send a power toggle to the unit when required, however this screen is a two-box unit and the only unit with an IR receiver is the screen which is mounted on the fireplace with the proprietory cables buried in the wall back to the media box where our control cables are, i.e. no way to get an IR feed to the screen without surface running it, not an acceptable option!

I realise that this is now an older model but the client paid £2300 for it and really expects to keep it for more than 18 months.

Any input (except hire a pro!) welcome.

Nick

Nick, do a search on sharp rs232 and power saving mode or something. I recall this discussed at great length by some guys who had some experience with this and a way of disabling the power save mode (I think?) was found.

Good luck.

PS, I made up some IR hex codes for sharp discretes that may work, but, alas, if you cannot find 2 conductors then I gues you are sol. A spare coax core? or cat5??

Yep stereoguy you were right. Found it by searching the forums for stuff OVER 6 months old!

Will try disabling power saving tomorrow and see if it works.

Thanks for fast response - will be thinking of you when I look good in front of the client!

Nick

No worries, were you at CEDIA?

Perhaps next year, eh?

Keep trying to get to CEDIA US, but seem to have enough problems making time for CEDIA UK!

Always seems to be an urgent project when you least need it!

Have set aside time for next year already, but when it gets close it always ends up being reallocated to provide extra time to fit the projects in....maybe if I actually book the flights and hotel.....

No, I mean Cedia UK. I looked at the prices for flights and gave up pretty quick.

The CEDIA UK expo is pretty good, and I like spending time in London whenever I can.

Yes I generally get to CEDIA UK most years - haven't missed one for the last 4 years, enjoyed the days out in Brighton (memories of youthful trips to the seaside with prospective maidens), Birmingham was a bit of a chore to get to what with the general state of our rail transport, and now it is in London its a doddle since we are based about 12 miles from the exhibition centre.

Always enjoy a beer or 5 on the Crestron stand, and the Crestron party, this year spent watching the England Sweden world cup game.

I will definately be there next year - give me a shout if you are going and I will buy you a beer.

Nick

Cool. See you there.