I think I figured it out (weird how anytime I ask a question I someone 
figure it out right afterwards).
It looks like this will work:

xset dpms force off  # to turn off
xset dpms force on # to turn on

This worked from a shell, I don't know if it will work in cron or not.
---------------------------------------------------
PLUG-discuss mailing list - PLUG-discuss@lists.plug.phoenix.az.us
To subscribe, unsubscribe, or to change your mail settings:
http://lists.PLUG.phoenix.az.us/mailman/listinfo/plug-discuss