The Ultimate Guide to Samsung Display RS-232 Commands
Master Samsung commercial display control with comprehensive RS-232 command reference, setup guides, and practical programming examples for seamless AV system integration.
Table of Contents
- Introduction to Samsung MDC Protocol
- RS-232 Setup and Wiring
- Command Structure and Format
- Power Control Commands
- Input Selection Commands
- Volume and Audio Commands
- Picture Settings Commands
- Status Query Commands
- Advanced Features
- Troubleshooting Guide
- Programming Examples
- Legacy vs Current Models
- Best Practices
Introduction to Samsung MDC Protocol
Samsung's Multiple Display Control (MDC) protocol enables centralized control of Samsung commercial displays through RS-232, Ethernet, or USB connections. This protocol allows AV professionals to:
- Control multiple displays from a single source
- Automate display management tasks
- Integrate displays into larger AV control systems
- Monitor display status and health
- Schedule display operations
Key Benefits of RS-232 Control
- Reliable Communication: Dedicated physical connection ensures stable control
- Low Latency: Direct serial communication provides immediate response
- System Integration: Easy integration with control processors and automation systems
- Cost Effective: No additional network infrastructure required
- Bidirectional: Both command and status feedback capabilities
Supported Samsung Display Series
- Current Models (2020+): QM, QH, QB, DB, DM series
- Legacy Models (2015-2019): ME, MD, PM, PH, UD series
- Compatibility: Most commands work across generations with minor variations
RS-232 Setup and Wiring
Hardware Requirements
- Samsung commercial display with RS-232 port
- RS-232 cable (straight-through, not null-modem)
- Control system with RS-232 capability
- Optional: RS-232 to USB converter for PC control
Wiring Diagram
Control System Samsung Display
RS-232 Port RS-232 Port (Service Port)
┌─────────────┐ ┌─────────────┐
│ Pin 2 (TXD) ├────────┤ Pin 2 (RXD) │
│ Pin 3 (RXD) ├────────┤ Pin 3 (TXD) │
│ Pin 5 (GND) ├────────┤ Pin 5 (GND) │
└─────────────┘ └─────────────┘
Note: Pins 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 are not used
Cable Specifications
Pin | Function | Direction |
---|---|---|
1 | DCD | Not Used |
2 | RXD | Input |
3 | TXD | Output |
4 | DTR | Not Used |
5 | GND | Ground |
6 | DSR | Not Used |
7 | RTS | Not Used |
8 | CTS | Not Used |
9 | RI | Not Used |
Communication Settings
Standard Configuration:
- Baud Rate: 9600 bps (default)
- Data Bits: 8
- Parity: None
- Stop Bits: 1
- Flow Control: None
Alternative Rates (model dependent):
- 2400, 4800, 19200, 38400 bps
Command Structure and Format
Basic Command Format
Samsung MDC commands follow this structure:
[Header][Command][ID][Data Length][Data][Checksum]
Header Bytes
All commands begin with the header: 0xAA
Command Types
Type | Description | Format |
---|---|---|
Set | Control command | 0xAA [CMD] [ID] [LEN] [DATA] [CHK] |
Get | Status query | 0xAA [CMD] [ID] 0x00 [CHK] |
ID Field
- 0x00: Broadcast to all displays
- 0x01-0xFE: Specific display ID (set in display menu)
- 0xFF: Reserved
Checksum Calculation
The checksum is calculated by XORing all bytes except the header:
[object Object], ,[object Object],(,[object Object],):
checksum = ,[object Object],
,[object Object], byte ,[object Object], command_bytes[,[object Object],:]: ,[object Object],
checksum ^= byte
,[object Object], checksum & ,[object Object],
Power Control Commands
Power On/Off
Function | Hex Command | Description |
---|---|---|
Power On | AA 11 [ID] 01 01 [CHK] | Turn display on |
Power Off | AA 11 [ID] 01 00 [CHK] | Turn display off |
Power Status | AA 11 [ID] 00 [CHK] | Query power state |
Example Commands:
# Power On Display ID 01
AA 11 01 01 01 1A
# Power Off Display ID 01
AA 11 01 01 00 1B
# Query Power Status Display ID 01
AA 11 01 00 1B
Response Format:
# Power On Response
AA FF 01 03 11 01 00 [CHK]
# Power Off Response
AA FF 01 03 11 01 01 [CHK]
Power Schedule
Function | Hex Command | Data Format |
---|---|---|
Set Power Schedule | AA B1 [ID] 0B [DATA] [CHK] | Day, On Hour, On Min, Off Hour, Off Min |
Get Power Schedule | AA B1 [ID] 00 [CHK] | Query schedule |
Schedule Data Format:
- Byte 0: Day (0=Sun, 1=Mon, ..., 6=Sat, 7=Daily)
- Byte 1: On Hour (0-23)
- Byte 2: On Minute (0-59)
- Byte 3: Off Hour (0-23)
- Byte 4: Off Minute (0-59)
Input Selection Commands
HDMI Input Control
Input | Hex Command | Description |
---|---|---|
HDMI 1 | AA 14 [ID] 01 21 [CHK] | Select HDMI 1 input |
HDMI 2 | AA 14 [ID] 01 22 [CHK] | Select HDMI 2 input |
HDMI 3 | AA 14 [ID] 01 23 [CHK] | Select HDMI 3 input |
HDMI 4 | AA 14 [ID] 01 24 [CHK] | Select HDMI 4 input |
Additional Input Types
Input | Hex Value | Description |
---|---|---|
DVI | 0x18 | DVI input |
DisplayPort | 0x25 | DisplayPort input |
USB | 0x27 | USB input |
Internal | 0x28 | Internal memory |
HDMI/DVI Auto | 0x1F | Auto-detect HDMI/DVI |
Example Commands:
# Select HDMI 1 on Display ID 01
AA 14 01 01 21 35
# Select DisplayPort on Display ID 01
AA 14 01 01 25 31
# Query Current Input on Display ID 01
AA 14 01 00 15
Volume and Audio Commands
Volume Control
Function | Hex Command | Data Range | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Set Volume | AA 12 [ID] 01 [VOL] [CHK] | 0x00-0x64 | Set volume (0-100) |
Volume Up | AA 12 [ID] 01 [VOL+1] [CHK] | Current+1 | Increase volume |
Volume Down | AA 12 [ID] 01 [VOL-1] [CHK] | Current-1 | Decrease volume |
Get Volume | AA 12 [ID] 00 [CHK] | - | Query volume level |
Mute Control
Function | Hex Command | Description |
---|---|---|
Mute On | AA 13 [ID] 01 01 [CHK] | Mute audio |
Mute Off | AA 13 [ID] 01 00 [CHK] | Unmute audio |
Mute Status | AA 13 [ID] 00 [CHK] | Query mute state |
Example Commands:
# Set Volume to 50 on Display ID 01
AA 12 01 01 32 22
# Mute Audio on Display ID 01
AA 13 01 01 01 1C
# Query Volume Level on Display ID 01
AA 12 01 00 1B
Picture Settings Commands
Brightness Control
Function | Hex Command | Data Range | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Set Brightness | AA 24 [ID] 01 [VAL] [CHK] | 0x00-0x64 | Brightness (0-100) |
Get Brightness | AA 24 [ID] 00 [CHK] | - | Query brightness |
Contrast Control
Function | Hex Command | Data Range | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Set Contrast | AA 25 [ID] 01 [VAL] [CHK] | 0x00-0x64 | Contrast (0-100) |
Get Contrast | AA 25 [ID] 00 [CHK] | - | Query contrast |
Picture Mode
Mode | Hex Value | Description |
---|---|---|
Dynamic | 0x00 | High contrast, vivid colors |
Standard | 0x01 | Balanced settings |
Natural | 0x02 | Natural color reproduction |
Movie | 0x03 | Cinema-optimized |
Custom | 0x04 | User-defined settings |
Example Commands:
# Set Picture Mode to Standard on Display ID 01
AA 26 01 01 01 27
# Set Brightness to 75 on Display ID 01
AA 24 01 01 4B 6F
# Set Contrast to 80 on Display ID 01
AA 25 01 01 50 75
Status Query Commands
System Information
Function | Hex Command | Response Data |
---|---|---|
Model Name | AA A0 [ID] 00 [CHK] | ASCII model string |
Serial Number | AA 0B [ID] 00 [CHK] | ASCII serial string |
Software Version | AA 0E [ID] 00 [CHK] | Version bytes |
Temperature | AA 81 [ID] 00 [CHK] | Temperature in °C |
Display Status
Function | Hex Command | Response Data |
---|---|---|
Panel Status | AA 0D [ID] 00 [CHK] | Panel condition |
Signal Status | AA 0F [ID] 00 [CHK] | Input signal info |
Lamp Hours | AA 82 [ID] 00 [CHK] | Operating hours |
Error Status | AA 83 [ID] 00 [CHK] | Error codes |
Example Status Queries:
# Query Model Name Display ID 01
AA A0 01 00 A1
# Query Temperature Display ID 01
AA 81 01 00 80
# Query Operating Hours Display ID 01
AA 82 01 00 83
Advanced Features
Multi-Display Control
For controlling multiple displays simultaneously:
# Broadcast Power On to All Displays
AA 11 00 01 01 1B
# Broadcast Volume to 50 for All Displays
AA 12 00 01 32 23
Video Wall Configuration
Function | Hex Command | Data Format |
---|---|---|
Set Video Wall | AA 89 [ID] 05 [EN] [H] [V] [HP] [VP] [CHK] | Enable, H-monitors, V-monitors, H-position, V-position |
Get Video Wall | AA 89 [ID] 00 [CHK] | Query wall settings |
Video Wall Parameters:
- EN: Enable (0x01) / Disable (0x00)
- H: Horizontal monitors (1-15)
- V: Vertical monitors (1-15)
- HP: Horizontal position (0-14)
- VP: Vertical position (0-14)
Screen Saver Control
Function | Hex Command | Description |
---|---|---|
Set Screen Saver | AA B4 [ID] 05 [MODE] [TIME] [R] [G] [B] [CHK] | Configure screen saver |
Get Screen Saver | AA B4 [ID] 00 [CHK] | Query settings |
Screen Saver Modes:
- 0x00: Off
- 0x01: Black screen
- 0x02: White screen
- 0x03: Color screen (RGB specified)
Troubleshooting Guide
Common Connection Issues
Problem: No response from display Solutions:
- Verify cable connections (pins 2, 3, 5)
- Check communication settings (9600, 8, N, 1)
- Confirm display ID matches command
- Ensure RS-232 is enabled in display menu
Problem: Intermittent communication Solutions:
- Check cable length (max 50 feet for reliable communication)
- Use shielded cable in electrically noisy environments
- Verify proper grounding
- Check for loose connections
Problem: Commands rejected Solutions:
- Verify checksum calculation
- Ensure proper command format
- Check if display is in correct mode
- Wait for response before sending next command
Error Codes
Error Code | Description | Solution |
---|---|---|
0x01 | Invalid command | Check command syntax |
0x02 | Invalid ID | Verify display ID |
0x03 | Invalid data | Check data range/format |
0x04 | Checksum error | Recalculate checksum |
0x05 | Command not supported | Use alternative command |
Debug Process
- Test Basic Commands: Start with power on/off
- Verify Communication: Use status query commands
- Check Timing: Allow 100ms between commands
- Monitor Responses: Log all communication for analysis
- Isolate Issues: Test with single display first
Programming Examples
Python Control Script
[object Object], serial
,[object Object], time
,[object Object], ,[object Object],:
,[object Object], ,[object Object],(,[object Object],):
,[object Object],.ser = serial.Serial(
port=port,
baudrate=,[object Object],,
bytesize=,[object Object],,
parity=,[object Object],,
stopbits=,[object Object],,
timeout=,[object Object],
)
,[object Object],.display_id = display_id
,[object Object], ,[object Object],(,[object Object],):
checksum = ,[object Object],
,[object Object], byte ,[object Object], cmd_bytes[,[object Object],:]: ,[object Object],
checksum ^= byte
,[object Object], checksum & ,[object Object],
,[object Object], ,[object Object],(,[object Object],):
,[object Object],
cmd = [,[object Object],, command, ,[object Object],.display_id]
,[object Object], data ,[object Object], ,[object Object], ,[object Object],:
cmd.append(,[object Object],(data) ,[object Object], ,[object Object],(data, ,[object Object],) ,[object Object], ,[object Object],)
,[object Object], ,[object Object],(data, ,[object Object],):
cmd.extend(data)
,[object Object],:
cmd.append(data)
,[object Object],:
cmd.append(,[object Object],)
,[object Object],
checksum = ,[object Object],.calculate_checksum(cmd)
cmd.append(checksum)
,[object Object],
,[object Object],.ser.write(,[object Object],(cmd))
time.sleep(,[object Object],) ,[object Object],
,[object Object],
response = ,[object Object],.ser.read(,[object Object],)
,[object Object], response
,[object Object], ,[object Object],(,[object Object],):
,[object Object], ,[object Object],.send_command(,[object Object],, ,[object Object],)
,[object Object], ,[object Object],(,[object Object],):
,[object Object], ,[object Object],.send_command(,[object Object],, ,[object Object],)
,[object Object], ,[object Object],(,[object Object],):
,[object Object], ,[object Object],.send_command(,[object Object],, ,[object Object],)
,[object Object], ,[object Object],(,[object Object],):
,[object Object], ,[object Object], <= volume <= ,[object Object],:
,[object Object], ,[object Object],.send_command(,[object Object],, volume)
,[object Object],:
,[object Object], ValueError(,[object Object],)
,[object Object], ,[object Object],(,[object Object],):
,[object Object], ,[object Object],.send_command(,[object Object],) ,[object Object],
,[object Object], ,[object Object],(,[object Object],):
,[object Object],.ser.close()
,[object Object],
display = SamsungDisplay(,[object Object],, display_id=,[object Object],)
,[object Object],
display.power_on()
time.sleep(,[object Object],)
,[object Object],
display.set_input_hdmi1()
,[object Object],
display.set_volume(,[object Object],)
,[object Object],
status = display.get_status()
,[object Object],(,[object Object],)
display.close()
Node.js Control Script
[object Object], ,[object Object], = ,[object Object],(,[object Object],);
,[object Object], ,[object Object], {
,[object Object],(,[object Object],) {
,[object Object],.,[object Object], = ,[object Object], ,[object Object],(portPath, {
,[object Object],: ,[object Object],,
,[object Object],: ,[object Object],,
,[object Object],: ,[object Object],,
,[object Object],: ,[object Object],
});
,[object Object],.,[object Object], = displayId;
}
,[object Object],(,[object Object],) {
,[object Object], checksum = ,[object Object],;
,[object Object], (,[object Object], i = ,[object Object],; i < cmdBytes.,[object Object],; i++) {
checksum ^= cmdBytes[i];
}
,[object Object], checksum & ,[object Object],;
}
,[object Object],(,[object Object],) {
,[object Object], ,[object Object], ,[object Object],(,[object Object], {
,[object Object], cmd = [,[object Object],, command, ,[object Object],.,[object Object],];
,[object Object], (data !== ,[object Object],) {
,[object Object], (,[object Object],.,[object Object],(data)) {
cmd.,[object Object],(data.,[object Object],);
cmd.,[object Object],(...data);
} ,[object Object], {
cmd.,[object Object],(,[object Object],);
cmd.,[object Object],(data);
}
} ,[object Object], {
cmd.,[object Object],(,[object Object],);
}
,[object Object], checksum = ,[object Object],.,[object Object],(cmd);
cmd.,[object Object],(checksum);
,[object Object],.,[object Object],.,[object Object],(,[object Object],.,[object Object],(cmd), ,[object Object], {
,[object Object], (err) {
,[object Object],(err);
,[object Object],;
}
,[object Object],(,[object Object], {
,[object Object],.,[object Object],.,[object Object],(,[object Object], {
,[object Object],(response);
});
}, ,[object Object],);
});
});
}
,[object Object], ,[object Object],(,[object Object],) {
,[object Object], ,[object Object],.,[object Object],(,[object Object],, ,[object Object],);
}
,[object Object], ,[object Object],(,[object Object],) {
,[object Object], ,[object Object],.,[object Object],(,[object Object],, ,[object Object],);
}
,[object Object], ,[object Object],(,[object Object],) {
,[object Object], ,[object Object],.,[object Object],(,[object Object],, ,[object Object],);
}
,[object Object], ,[object Object],(,[object Object],) {
,[object Object], (volume < ,[object Object], || volume > ,[object Object],) {
,[object Object], ,[object Object], ,[object Object],(,[object Object],);
}
,[object Object], ,[object Object],.,[object Object],(,[object Object],, volume);
}
}
,[object Object],
,[object Object], ,[object Object], ,[object Object],(,[object Object],) {
,[object Object], display = ,[object Object], ,[object Object],(,[object Object],, ,[object Object],);
,[object Object], {
,[object Object], display.,[object Object],();
,[object Object],.,[object Object],(,[object Object],);
,[object Object], ,[object Object], ,[object Object],(,[object Object], ,[object Object],(resolve, ,[object Object],));
,[object Object], display.,[object Object],();
,[object Object],.,[object Object],(,[object Object],);
,[object Object], display.,[object Object],(,[object Object],);
,[object Object],.,[object Object],(,[object Object],);
} ,[object Object], (error) {
,[object Object],.,[object Object],(,[object Object],, error);
}
}
,[object Object],();
AMX NetLinx Control Module
DEFINE_DEVICE
dvDisplay = 5001:1:0 // RS232 Port
dvTP = 10001:1:0 // Touch Panel
DEFINE_CONSTANT
// Samsung Commands
CHAR POWER_ON[] = {$AA,$11,$01,$01,$01,$1A}
CHAR POWER_OFF[] = {$AA,$11,$01,$01,$00,$1B}
CHAR HDMI1_SELECT[] = {$AA,$14,$01,$01,$21,$35}
CHAR VOLUME_50[] = {$AA,$12,$01,$01,$32,$22}
DEFINE_VARIABLE
INTEGER nPowerState
INTEGER nCurrentInput
INTEGER nCurrentVolume
DEFINE_START
// Initialize RS232 settings
SEND_COMMAND dvDisplay, 'SET BAUD 9600,N,8,1 485 DISABLE'
SEND_COMMAND dvDisplay, 'RXON'
DEFINE_EVENT
BUTTON_EVENT[dvTP,1] // Power Toggle
{
PUSH:
{
IF(nPowerState)
{
SEND_STRING dvDisplay, POWER_OFF
nPowerState = 0
}
ELSE
{
SEND_STRING dvDisplay, POWER_ON
nPowerState = 1
}
}
}
BUTTON_EVENT[dvTP,10] // HDMI 1 Select
{
PUSH:
{
SEND_STRING dvDisplay, HDMI1_SELECT
nCurrentInput = 1
}
}
STRING_EVENT[dvDisplay]
{
// Process responses from display
LOCAL_VAR CHAR cResponse[50]
cResponse = STRING_EVENT.TEXT
// Parse response based on command type
IF(cResponse[2] = $FF) // Status response
{
SELECT
{
ACTIVE(cResponse[5] = $11): // Power status
{
nPowerState = !cResponse[7]
}
}
}
}
Crestron SIMPL+ Module
// Samsung Display RS232 Control Module
#SYMBOL_NAME "Samsung Display Control"
#CATEGORY "Display"
// Parameters
#BEGIN_PARAMETER_LIST
STRING_PARAMETER Display_ID[2];
#END_PARAMETER_LIST
// Inputs
DIGITAL_INPUT Power_On, Power_Off;
DIGITAL_INPUT HDMI1, HDMI2, HDMI3, HDMI4;
ANALOG_INPUT Volume_Level;
// Outputs
DIGITAL_OUTPUT Power_FB, Input_HDMI1_FB, Input_HDMI2_FB;
ANALOG_OUTPUT Volume_FB;
STRING_OUTPUT TX$;
// Variables
STRING cmd[20];
INTEGER display_id;
// Functions
FUNCTION SendCommand(STRING command)
{
TX$ = command;
}
INTEGER_FUNCTION CalculateChecksum(STRING cmd_data)
{
INTEGER i, checksum;
checksum = 0;
FOR(i = 2 TO LEN(cmd_data))
{
checksum = checksum ^ BYTE(cmd_data, i);
}
RETURN(checksum);
}
STRING_FUNCTION BuildCommand(INTEGER cmd_type, INTEGER data_value)
{
STRING result[10];
INTEGER checksum;
result = "\xAA" + ITOHEX(cmd_type) + ITOHEX(display_id) + "\x01" + ITOHEX(data_value);
checksum = CalculateChecksum(result);
result = result + ITOHEX(checksum);
RETURN(result);
}
// Main Program
PUSH Power_On
{
SendCommand(BuildCommand(0x11, 0x01));
}
PUSH Power_Off
{
SendCommand(BuildCommand(0x11, 0x00));
}
PUSH HDMI1
{
SendCommand(BuildCommand(0x14, 0x21));
}
CHANGE Volume_Level
{
SendCommand(BuildCommand(0x12, Volume_Level));
}
// Initialization
FUNCTION Main()
{
display_id = ATOI(Display_ID);
}
Legacy vs Current Models
Command Compatibility Matrix
Command Category | Legacy (2015-2019) | Current (2020+) | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Power Control | ✓ Full | ✓ Full | Identical syntax |
Input Selection | ✓ Most | ✓ Full | New inputs in current |
Volume Control | ✓ Full | ✓ Full | Identical syntax |
Picture Settings | ✓ Basic | ✓ Enhanced | More options in current |
Status Queries | ✓ Limited | ✓ Full | Enhanced diagnostics |
Video Wall | ✓ Basic | ✓ Advanced | Matrix support added |
Legacy Model Differences
ME/MD Series (2015-2017):
- Limited to basic commands
- No advanced picture controls
- Maximum 9 inputs supported
PM/PH Series (2017-2019):
- Added HDR support commands
- Enhanced color space controls
- Improved error reporting
UD Series (Ultra HD):
- 4K-specific commands
- Enhanced scaling controls
- HDCP 2.2 support commands
Current Model Enhancements
QM/QH Series (2020+):
- AI upscaling controls
- Advanced color management
- Content-aware brightness
- Enhanced connectivity options
QB Series (Business):
- Meeting room integration
- Wireless presentation controls
- Cloud management support
Migration Guide
When upgrading from legacy to current models:
- Test Core Commands: Verify basic power, input, volume
- Update Advanced Features: Leverage new capabilities
- Error Handling: Use enhanced error reporting
- Documentation: Update control system documentation
Best Practices
Communication Guidelines
-
Command Timing:
- Wait 100ms minimum between commands
- Allow 2 seconds after power on before sending commands
- Implement timeout handling (5 seconds recommended)
-
Error Handling:
- Always verify checksums on responses
- Implement retry logic for failed commands
- Log communication for troubleshooting
-
System Design:
- Use unique display IDs for each unit
- Document all display addresses
- Plan cable routing to avoid interference
Performance Optimization
-
Batch Operations:
- Group related commands when possible
- Use broadcast for identical settings
- Minimize unnecessary status queries
-
Network Considerations:
- Use RS-232 for critical control paths
- Reserve Ethernet for monitoring/status
- Implement fallback communication methods
-
Reliability Features:
- Monitor display health regularly
- Implement automatic recovery procedures
- Use heartbeat commands to verify connectivity
Security Considerations
-
Physical Security:
- Secure RS-232 connections from tampering
- Use lockable connector housings
- Document access points
-
Access Control:
- Limit RS-232 access to authorized personnel
- Use control system security features
- Monitor unauthorized command attempts
-
Maintenance:
- Regular cable inspection and testing
- Update display firmware as needed
- Maintain configuration backups
Documentation Standards
-
System Documentation:
- Complete wiring diagrams
- Display ID assignments
- Command reference sheets
- Troubleshooting procedures
-
Programming Documentation:
- Code comments for all commands
- Error handling procedures
- Testing and validation steps
- Performance benchmarks
-
Maintenance Records:
- Communication logs
- Error occurrence tracking
- Firmware update history
- Performance metrics
Conclusion
Samsung display RS-232 control provides reliable, professional-grade display management for commercial AV installations. This comprehensive guide covers all aspects from basic setup to advanced programming, ensuring successful implementation and long-term reliability.
Key takeaways:
- Follow proper wiring and communication settings
- Implement robust error handling and timeouts
- Test thoroughly with target display models
- Document all configurations and procedures
- Plan for future system expansions
For additional support and updates, consult Samsung's official MDC documentation and participate in AV professional communities for shared experiences and troubleshooting assistance.
This guide is maintained by AV Engine and updated regularly to reflect the latest Samsung display capabilities and best practices in commercial AV control systems.