So I'm finally running through the MSC400 tutorial, and I see much mention of the use of voltage/video sensors - question, have variables fallen by the wayside, then? Does the MSC400 even support variables?

I recall when the MX950 came out that variables were the new hot thing (for both TOAD and discrete power devices) ... naturally a sensor's going to be more accurate than a variable, but presuming a user never accesses the remote's "forbidden" source power settings directly, shouldn't variables do nearly as good a job (particularly if the source in question supports discrete power?)

You answered it, a sensor is more accurate. Let's say for a moment you used variables to track power status. Your variable says the unit is off and it is correct, Next you send a power toggle command and set your variable high. If the TOAD never got the power command it is now out of synch. A sensor would know that it is still off, but the variable is now set high (on) which is incorrect.

This is why the variable solution is still really a "guess state" solution, even though you may be right most of the time, there is no guarantee as there would be with the sensor.

I'm one that wants things to work perfect every time, not just most of the time, therefore I use sensors. Also I can now use multiple remotes in my living room since I like my 950 and everyone else likes the TX-1000. You could never use multiple remotes with variables.

Variables have not fallen by the wayside, the MSC-400 does support variables as will future equipment. Variables are valuable for making buttons react in a certain way, tracking which device was last selected on a remote, and many other situations. Sensors should be used whenever you want to know the true state of something. Variables should be used to manipulate page jumps, button actions, or other remote functions.

I hope this clears things up a bit. Don't worry variables are here to stay, they are far too valuable to get rid of and sensors are really a great and long-awaited thing.

Thanks, Eric - that helps clear it up!

I'm curious - how would a MSC-400 monitor a television? The video sensors won't work, since a TV doesn't send, only receive. Many sets don't have a voltage relay or RS232, so what's left? Maybe using a current sensing power plug connected to a voltage sensor?

Lots of modern TVs have video outputs, so that's the best way to do it. If that isn't available, a current sensor like the Niles APC-2 will send a 12V signal when the TV is on, and a voltage sensor on the MSC will pick it up.

I did exactly this with a Sonance multi-room amp that had no video outputs because it is audio only. Works well, and the APC-2 sensitivity can be adjusted, which is nice for fine tuning.