What exactly is the difference between the two if there is any and how do you go about teaching them?
When programing the pronto and the Mx-500 I just send each button from one remote to the next. Am I doing something wrong here or is the discrete code just another way to program the remotes?

Thanks for your insights yet again,
Lonny

Let's suppose you have one infrared codes that thinks he's a bigshot. The power button for example always thinks he's more important than everyone else.

Now let's suppose you have an infrared code hidden underneath the flip-up panel that is hardly ever used. The poor guy feels lucky just to be pressed. That button qualifies as a "discrete code". The power button on the other hand is a braggart.

The serious answer to your question regarding discrete codes is here:
[Link: remotecentral.com]

Regarding RS-232 codes, it requires a system such as Crestron or AMX that have serial ports like a computer. RS-232 is not used with a Pronto or MX-500.

Lonny,

Discrete IR commands are the best way to automate IR controlled gear. A discrete power on command will only turn on a component. A standard "power" command will turn the component off if it is already on. When they are available they make your macros usable by a customer. When they are not available, your macros will be point n pray and your customer will spit on your business card forever more.

Some high end components can be controlled in a very precise way by a simple text string sent by an automation system to a computer DB-9 port on the rear of the component. Typically these text strings are sent via RS-232 protocol. An example of an RS-232 command to an RS-232 equipped Preamp would turn on the component if it was off, select an input, select a surround sound mode and set the volume to -25dB. A very quick (almost instant) and very precise macro.

There is a way to send RS232 commands to a component equipped to receive them. You program "trigger" commands into your learning remote. The trigger commands are received by a black box that stores the RS232 text string and issues it via a DB-9 port to the component. Boxes like this are made by Xantech and a couple of other companies.

Best Regards,

-Eric

Eric Johnson
www.hometheaterpro.com

Phone 1-800-247-7001

Eric-
I am getting the concept of what a discrete code is, but am still kinda of asking why use it?
For instance, I installed a Sony Es receiver, DVD player, Plasma ect... I
sent the power button to two separate buttons which will act as the on and off. I then programed 2 macro's to turn on the plasma, receiver, VCR, and dvd player. Then I did the same for the off button. If I send the power button only once for the Sony receiver it will toggle and turn off for a second and then turn back on.
So, is that what you would do with the discrete codes? And if so how do you go about getting the codes?
I am new to this type of technology but not to the field.

Any advice will be great.
Thanks again,
Lonny

p.s. i did this with the mx-500

HUH? Sony ES Receiver Turn ON with an Input Selection. No Need to do what your describing above. (Unless you just installed a 5 year old Sony ES Receiver) Either way, Sony Receiver support Discrete power, That means that there are "Codes" for Power On, and a separate code for "Power off" HERE they are in Pronto Hex FOrmat.

Discrete codes save lots of Time and Save clients from headaches. There is No reason for your Receiver to Turn OFF, then turn back on the way you describe, switching inputs should take less than a secon, not the 3-5 seconds your describing. TV's are the same way. Most TV's have a Single "power" button ont he Remote control, but Sony, Mits, and several others have Separate On and OFF fuctions so that when the TV is ON and someone hits "System ON" the TV stays ON.