Mute TV via USB

Projects General Guidance
1

Hi all,

Can you quickly tell me, is it possible to mute a TV using a connected Arduino via USB?

I know it's possible using IR, but wondered; if I had an Arduino connected via USB to the TV's USB socket, can I send a command to mute and unmute the TV's volume?

Any help appreciated. Haven't been able to find a definitive answer (yet).

Thanks :slight_smile:

2

Does the (unknown brand) TV support control over USB?

3

I'll be honest, I don't know. I'm looking to build a prototype of something that is able to mute the TV when a certain word or sound is detected.

Like I say, I know I can do it using IR, and I've seen people do a similar thing, but I want it to be able to work on any/most TV's and I believe a) most have USB ports and b) setting up IR mute/unmute has to be done on a TV by TV basis (although I might be wrong).

So, back to my original question, lets assume that the TV does allow control over USB, is it possible? And what components/shields would I need to look into.

Thanks again

4

Brains:
Like I say, I know I can do it using IR, and I've seen people do a similar thing, but I want it to be able to work on any/most TV's and I believe a) most have USB ports and b) setting up IR mute/unmute has to be done on a TV by TV basis (although I might be wrong).

But what makes you think that all makes of TV will use the same protocol (assuming that they support one in the first place) over USB. I/R will be more universal and a lot easier to implement. There are only a few IR protocols used (SONY, NEC etc) so DIP switches to select model type might work okay.

5

Brains:
...... and I believe a) most have USB ports.....

Of the 3 televisions that I possess, precisely 0% of them have USB ports

6

JohnLincoln:
Of the 3 televisions that I possess, precisely 0% of them have USB ports

Why not roughly 0% or just 0% :smiling_imp:

7

What sort of USB socket? The only USB socket I have seen on a TV is for showing pictures off a memory stick, not for control at all.

8

Hi,
The USB on the digital TV is for memory stick or hard drive to play recorded movies and programs.
I have a PVR that has a USB for firmware/software update but not control.

Tom.... :slight_smile: