I was programming a macro in my recently purchased MX-450 for "Watch TV", however, if the DVD player was being watched before then the tv needs to be source switched to the Sat/DVR HDMI input. The tv automatically comes on and switches to the DVD source when it is played. Only it won't switch back if the Sat receiver is turned on.
Problem being, if I just want to "watch tv" and the DVD hasn't been used the source list will be listed differently and the amount of "up" scrolls necessary to choose the correct source will be different, if needed at all.
I hope this makes sense to someone.
Could it be a TV issue?

TV - Samsung ln46a630
Bluray- Panasonic BD35
Onkyo Receiver TX-DS595
Dish Network VIP 622DVR
Old Panasonic VCR...I don't know why.

That tv should have discrete source commands. Just add in what input you need on each macro.

There is a source soft key when in the watch tv mode, but I still have to possibly switch with the up/down toggle to get to my HDMI/Sat if the DVD player has been on. I can turn off the HDAVI Control (Viera link) but I will still need to program the source when turning on either the DVD or Sat.
How would I put in a discrete source command into a mx-450 anyway? I thought that was impossible.

To:mangomills

I may have a possible solution to your problem but I need to ask you a couple of questions first.

I am planning on buying a 52 inch Samsung HD LCD TV and a MX-450 very soon. I presently own a URC-300 that is very similar to the MX-450 in the way macros are created.

I understand that when you press the source button on the original Samsung remote you get a list of inputs with active inputs listed above non active inputs.

My first question is how Samsung defines an active input? Does it only have to be connected in the rear of the TV or does the device have to be connected and on to be considered active?

My second question is related to how Samsung lists the active connections. Are they always in alphabetical order?

Note:

I agree with you regarding discrete source commands. I don't think it is possible on a Samsung. However, If I am wrong, I will be happy to hear how it is done.

Just realized that discrete source command codes could be possible if they are loaded on one of the eight possible pages of soft buttons when the built-in control codes are loaded for the correct Samsung TV.

I would assume that the correct discrete on & off buttons are also loaded.

The discretes are on the soft keys but not necessarily on the model you may think that is best for your tv. I have two or three tv codes that I keep on 450, hidden that have the discretes that work best. Sadly there is not one tv code that has all of the buttons needed, I needed to mix a few to make it all run smoothly.

I experimented with the similar URC R50 and discovered that most of the discrete codes for on, off, and various inputs such as HDMI1, HDMI2, etc. are installed as soft keys for many Samsung TV's. Therefore, the input key is unnecessary for the creation of the macro.

You say that more than one Samsung TV code is required to get all the necessary discrete codes. Since you cannot obtain (learn) those discrete codes from your original remote control, you will need another inexpensive learning remote.

Since you cannot copy soft keys from device page to device page on the MX-450 or the R50, you will need to temporarily copy the discrete codes that you want to the other learning remote and use the learn command on the MX-450 to copy the codes back to where you want them positioned.

usually the input section has a number associated with it. Find the number for the desired input and use that in your macro. Don't use up and down commands!

I managed to come up with a solution for my MX-500 and my Samsung. The Samsung has a discrete button for the "TV" spot on the long list of inputs. So my Macro starts by switching to the "TV" tuner and then by choosing TV/Input repeatedly until the correct input is chosen. I have added pauses for this funtion too.

To turn on the TV and choose the cable box the pauses had to be more than 7 seconds long between power and choosing the "TV" tuner location. I had to do multiple pauses with useless commands after each 2.8 to 3.0 second pause as the longest pause allowed with the MX-500 is 3 seconds.

However after some more work reading posts here I realized that what I wanted could be accomplished with the discrete codes mentioned here:

[Link: remotecentral.com]

you can also create a new device (TV 2) and use code 515 which contains discrete input commands.
Ps. I know the original post is 2 years old but what the hell.

i know this isnt an option for everyone, but i've been carrying an 850 around with me for 5+ years and just load the samsung discrete codes under samsung TV in 850 editor. for some reason they didnt learn the volume commands in that discrete file, but all the inputs have worked on every samsung TV ive installed this year. mostly LED's. learn the input commands on the Main page 2 and use the codes in your macros and just hide main page 2 and you're completely custom and good to go. ive been using this option on the mx350's for years, and the old mx500's and any other brands learning remotes. the old 500's work just as well as an 850 when they are programmed using the codes from the 850. i know its an extra step, but sometimes the customer is happy when you tell them you can make this old thing work and by saving them a couple hundred on a new remote will turn into 10 service calls and references to others which will pay out in the future.