SamyGO

Hi,
Why do you want to update your firmware? You don't needed to touch it. Because it's pre FEB 2010 so it's not 'restricted'...
I don't know exactly but AFAIK it's CI device depending your firmware name. You don't write your FULL model number, just beginning...

Please check you ExLink port first. If you could drop shell via ExLink (please look to this wiki page), than you don't needed to revert back, instead we add a line for those firmwares.
That table indicates that we used those TV with that firmware. But even if you have latest restricted firmwares, It's little uncomfortable but you can hack your TV anyway....

mikeydubs wrote:a couple of questions:
Is there such a thing as an ex-link cable that is stereo to usb directly or do I really need to get both an ex-link cable and usb to serial adapter?

If you have com port (serial port) on your PC, you do not need usb-to-serial cable. The ExLink cable means serial-to-stereo Jack. Look at the schematic on wiki there are just three wires to connect. Do not connect usb directly, you can burn your TV (or PC)

mikeydubs wrote: Where do I find info about "instead we add a line for those firmwares."? I can try ex-link instead of telnet if it means I can use some of the additional features and functions you guys have built.

You have root TV at first. That means - get console over telnet or exlink. To have telnet you need telnet enabler to be runned from games or children directory in content library. You do not have it on TV. So you have just one chance - connect and hack TV over ExLink. No benefits and bonuses in this step.

mikeydubs wrote: I'm into "uncomfortable" and breaking stuff that cost a lot of money so I'll pick up the cables and take a look as long as there's some documentation that walks through the process.

Its your TV and its your money. Its your choice. No manals for LN TVs. Here was guy who hacked LN640 for few months, he promised detailed how-to, but we have nothing until now. So you can be firstm or you can just wait for another who makes manual for you.

You can use content library for using tools like PVR, ARfix... or what ever you want.
You don't need ExLink cable for use those tools.

Yes, I you can. Please read WIKI pages for instructions.
Your TV doesn't have a GAME menu. After entering from ExLink, you can create required folders to have Game menu too.

http://wiki.samygo.tv/index.php?title=E ... sma_series

Please read all related/unrelated wiki pages to know what you are actually doing.