Hackers and hobbyists have been having fun controlling their TVs over the RS-232 serial interface found on a number of TVs.
http://lavalink.com/2011/12/rs-232-remot...levisions/
peek inside an LG TV and you might find Linux. Access commands and features not available in the stock consumer interface. And control your TV over your home network using a LAVA Ether-Serial Link.