This is a bit of a twist on the purpose of this forum.

Rather than buy the components first, and then search for discrete codes, I'd like to make 'discrete code availability' a criteria in my purchase decision.

To give you an idea what I was looking for, my original thoughts were:
-Panasonic or Sony HD-ready 32" or 36" tv
-Marantz SR7200 (need 2nd zone out)
-Marantz DV4200
-Marantz CC3000
-StarChoice or ExpressVu satellite (located in Canada)

I've read that Yamaha has extensive discrete codes, but are these accessable by a "regular" user?

I'm open to suggestions for any of the components. They don't *have* to be brand matched--but it is an added bonus.

Thanks,
Dave

Using the Sony TV, and the Marantz components you have listed, you should be good to go, as all those have discretes.

As far as StarChoice or ExpressVu, I'm pretty sure the ExpressVu uses Echostar type receivers, which DO NOT have discretes. I'm not sure about StarChoice, they may have disretes, as I thought I saw a thread somewhere saying so.

Update: I just checked the files for StarChoice, and it seems StarChoice receivers DO support discrete codes. Looks like you're all set!

I'm sure others that own a StarChoice receiver will chime in and let you know.


JJP

This message was edited by John Pechulis on 03/04/02 20:47.27.

Thanks for the confirmation. Now, at the risk of sounding like a newbie, I have a few more questions. (And a few more details.)

The system I'm talking about is for my parents, so simplicity is KEY. They wanted capability to have background music in a few other rooms, so we went with the Russound A-Bus system (keypad's have an infrared extender).

Now, on to the questions...

1. It is my understanding that I would have to purchase an additional remote control to take advantage of the discrete codes (a remote such as a Marantz RC3200). Is this correct?

2. Assuming that I need to purchase an RC3200, could I then use it to teach some of these codes to the remote included with the SR7200? The purpose of that remote (the RC1200) would be to control the devices from other rooms through the A-Bus keypads.

3. Where can I find a listing of all discrete commands available for the Marantz gear?

4. Lastly, any suggestions to make a system easy to use for a non-techy person? As long as the documentation is there, I should have no problem writing all sorts of crazy macros--I just don't want to spend a lot of time reinventing the wheel.

Thanks again!

Dave

1.) Well, for one thing, don't buy a RC3200 just yet. The RC3200 cannot use discrete codes effectively as of yet.

A better choice would be a RC5200. There is a LOT more support and files for this type of remote, and using discretes is a breeze.

As far as setup of the remote goes, we typically like to use a template which we perfected with input from our clients, which uses one-button activation from the home page. We typically like to keep the function of the devices lean, as to not confuse the user with functions only used for setup or non-daily activities.

2.) You could teach the commands from the RC5200 to the RC1200, but would the RC1200 be easy to use for the end user?

3.) All of the RC5 commands, including discrete codes, are found in the default CCF file that comes with the RC5200.

4.)As far as the background music system, that's difficult to give a "perfect" design plan. It really depends on the type of system being used, and knowing what it can and can't do. And I am not too familiar with the A-Bus system, so I can't tell you what would work best.

We typically use Elan for our wholehouse and background systems. It's keypads are very well laid out, and very easy to use. We try not to use a 2nd zone out of a receiver to rely on audio switching for the background music, as most receivers don't lend to an easy to use system using this approach. We use an Elan pre-amp to do the switching for the background music system, and "share" the sources. It makes for a much easier system to design and operate.

But to make a suggestion, when designing and installing any manufacturers system, again as with the main system, you want to keep the control as simple as possible. You don't want to put un-necessary functions on the keypad that may confuse the user.

I hope that helps,


JJP

This message was edited by John Pechulis on 03/04/02 22:09.34.

I hope people don't mind me getting a bit off topic, but this is really a big help.

This is with regard to the A-bus system. It's a very basic system. I wasn't really all that comfortable with this choice, but ultimately it's not my decision. Anyway, it takes a single source, and distributes it to several rooms via CAT5 cable. Each keypad has an amplifier right behind they keypad (needless to say, it's only good for background music). The keypad itself only has volume up/down and power (which controls the built-in amplifier). There is also an infrared pickup that will carry the infrared signals back to the base unit. The base unit has no switching capability--it simply takes an input from a preamp.

So, the idea was to use the zone2 output of the SR7200 to feed the A-Bus system. From what you're saying, this is a bad idea. How bad is it??

The idea about using the RC5200 to teach the RC1200 was so that the RC1200 could be used in the rooms with the A-Bus system to control the components remotely. If that is overcomplicated for the user, is there any alternative to buying another RC5200?

I'm trying to make this as simple as possible for my parents without breaking the bank. I'm sure I can sort out any kind of programming required (as long as it's documented).

Can you send an email my way ([email protected]). I have a question for you that might not be appropriate on these forums. (It's nothing bad.)

Thanks again

Dave

I'm not trying to say that using the 2nd zone out of the 7200 is a bad idea, just that it will take a bit of getting used to to operate it from a secondary room.

And as far as using the RC1200 for the secondary rooms, that is a great idea, I just don't know how easy it will be to use. That will really depend on the person operating it.

(Just so you understand my thinking here, we design systems every day that HAVE to be easy to use. Most of our clients are not tech savvy. So we have to design on a very simplistic interface. We do a lot of programming upfront to make sure all the switching, commanding, and so forth will happen without the user having to think about it.)


JJP

John, which files did you end up finding the information about Starchoice receivers? Everywhere I've looked it seems like their receivers do not have discrete on/off codes.

Lobo

From the component files section. Its the first one listed. Labeled Generic.

Although I have no way of testing these, these are the codes from that file.

Power ON:

0000 0070 002a 0000 0058 00a9 0025 0025 0025 006e 0025 006e 0025 0025 0025 0025 0025 0024 0025 006e 0025 006e 0025 006e 0025 006e 0025 0025 0025 0025 0025 089e 00b8 004a 0025 0025 0025 006e 0025 006e 0025 0025 0025 0025 0025 0025 0025 006e 0025 006e 0026 006d 0026 006d 0025 0025 0025 0025 0025 089e 004e 00b3 0025 0025 0025 006e 0025 006e 0025 0025 0025 0025 0024 0025 0020 0073 0025 006e 0025 006e 0020

Power OFF:

0000 0070 002a 0000 0058 00a9 0025 0025 0025 006e 0025 006e 0025 0025 0025 0025 0025 0024 0025 006e 0025 006e 0025 006e 0025 006e 0025 0025 0025 0025 0025 089e 00b8 004a 0025 0025 0025 006e 0025 006e 0025 0025 0025 0025 0025 0025 0025 006e 0025 006e 0026 006d 0026 006d 0025 0025 0025 0025 0025 089e 004e 00b3 0025 0025 0025 006e 0025 006e 0025 0025 0025 0025 0024 0025 0020 0073 0025 006e 0025 006e 0020


JJP

Thanks John, I'll try it out tomorrow with my Palm Pilot and OmniRemote. If it works on that, then I'll program it on my MX-500. BTW, I see that there's another listing for the Navigo 401. That's actually my receiver with Star Choice. Any chance you might be able to post what the on/off codes are for that one too?

Lobo

Hrmmm, it looks like it didn't work for me using my Palm Pilot software. I got an error when using ORDesktop to program the buttons. It looks like it doesn't like Pronto codes.

Any else have any suggestions on how I could get this to work?

Lobo

Comment on the Yamaha codes --
If you download the ccf (which I hope I correctly remember seeing on the site) for the highest level, most expensive Yamaha receiver, you will have all the codes you will need for the whole line of receivers.
If that receiver has ten DSP commands and your receiver has only five, you will find that five of the commands work. Yamaha has a silly habit of letting the commands not always work the same thing (i.e., Five Channel on one receiver might give you Jazz Club on another), so you will have to rename them. Similarly for inputs.
Also, starting a couple of years ago, the discrete on and off codes worked on cheaper receivers even though the receiver remotes did not have those commands on them. Again, some of the cheaper receivers work with the random access tuner preset codes found on the more expensive units.