I just saw this thread and thought I'd offer what (old) knowledge I have. When I was setting up integration partnerships at VUDU, the engineering department had no interest in RS232, stating there were IR and IP control options already. I doubt this has changed, since the IP route was always planned as the way to deliver metadata, etc. I know this was demo-ed in 'pre-alpha' state to some folks but given the developments at VUDU since last year, I would not expect more engineering effort to be put into such a niche, CI-focused feature.
So in summary, metadata was planned but I very much doubt it'll ever see the light of day. As for metadata on RS232 . . no a hope . . sorry.
