I'm having trouble with MX-950 sending discrete INPUT codes to a Sony XBR-850B, specifically the HDMI INPUTS.

I grabbed the codes from the first code library for Sony TV's (DISCRETE CODES, LCD) as well as from the newest generic (SONY 29).

The VIDEO1 and VIDEO2 codes work fine, but not the HDMI codes.

I did a workaround by making sure the TV input was always set to VIDEO2 (component), and then sending five pulses of the INPUT code, but it's kind of cludgy, and I'd much rather send the discrete code.

Any thoughts as to why the VIDEO1 and 2 codes would work and not the HDMI codes.

Thank you

[Link: remotecentral.com]


Note: Sony's tend to like repeats.  Generally a three count.  The URC software tends to do a 3 count repeat as it is, and some of the codes posted have hard coded repeats in them.

The 3 count repeat is the default in the URC software. I increased incrementally to 10 and still no luck.

Even so, it doesn't explain why the 2 VIDEO input IR codes do work and the 4 HDMI input IR codes do not.

Sounds like the 850 uses different codes. Do you have a JP1 remote you can use to go code hunting?

The 850 series (and the entire 4k series) do not use different codes.  Sony codes have not changed in two decades.  There have been additions, but not changes.


The codes I posted were personally captured by me and tested by me.  I have used them on ALL the Sony 4k TVs from 2014. Pick a size.  I have integrated it and used these codes.  They work.  I am 100% certain.

URC also didn't have transport codes available in their code set for the 2014 series TVs for the longest time.  So I used to codes above on a daily basis to copy/paste into my files.

Terry hasn't given us all of the information.  Are you firing from a 950 directly or through an RF base station?  If you are using an RF station or even the MX950, do you have the running lights on on the Sony when the TV is powered on?  Disable them.  They cause intermittent IR problems.

Does your remote work?  Have you tried another?  Have you tried the PIR-1?  Does your OEM remote work?  Did you actually copy and paste the codes that I listed?

The MX950 is at best, 5-7 years old at its newest, and at its worst, probably more like a decade.  The 950 also had a ton of problems which is why it was quickly moved out of production and replaced with the 980.  (Expanding battery anyone?)

That you are using a ten year old remote with stand alone software that has been dropped by the manufacturer is more likely the issue than Sony changing the codes.

JP1 does just as much shopping over here in RC as we do over there.  Not to mention Sony codes are about as basic as they get in term of structure and that they are probably among the best known codes and easiest to reproduce.

Thank you, SysIntegration, for your detailed response.

(1) I am firing ditectly from the 950; no RF base staion involved.

(2) I generally have the front illumination LED set to Auto Adjust, but have tried with it turned off and the codes still don't work.

(3) My remote definitely works. I've had it for about 8 years and have never had a problem with it except for that expanding battery issue about a year ago. I replaced the battery. I have not tried another remote.

(4) I used the IR codes in the IR navigator in the MX-950 software. I did not copy your codes. I don't know how to do that. If you wouldn't mind walking me through that process I'd love to try.

Finally, just for background, I am not a professional installer but I consider myself an advanced amateur. I've had experience with AMX control systems as well in a previous job. The delaer from whom I bought the remote, and who has since stopped being a dealer, was nice enough to give me the software. I learned to use it by reading the manual but don't know all the tricks and advanced techniques that I'm sure you as a professional know.

Again, thank you for taking the time to respond.

Terry

So you did not use universal browser to copy the hex codes from my post and put them in your program?

See.  That means the codes aren't the problem.  The URC db is the problem.

As owner of an X850B, I can definitely confirm that it's still using the exact same codes as Sony TVs from nearly *thirty* years ago.

I can also confirm that I did *NOT* use the URC database codes for HDMI inputs... I just looked at my config, and I have database codes for Video 1/2 and power on/off, but used learned hex codes for HDMI 1-4 and a few other missing functions. Pretty sure I just copied the standard ones from the file area here.

I don't understand the point of taking my personal time to post an entire flushed code set (that is universally compatible with basically every known modern Sony of the past ten years, meaning it covers DOZENS of models) just to have a "long-time member" come through and claim that someone needs to go hunting for codes, elsewhere.

And on top of that, having the OP claim that "the codes don't work" when they didn't even try the codes I posted.

I mean seriously.  Why even bother?

Until you mentioned it, I hadn't even thought of using the universal browser, in fact I had no idea of what it was or how to use it.

I just figured it out, copied your codes, and they work! Brilliant!

Thank you so much

To be fair, I logically assumed the OP actually tried the codes before proclaiming they didn't work. Taking him at his word, the only other option is to go hunting since we all already knew these were the correct for every other Sony model. Sony has thrown us a few curves with some HX models in recent years, so new or non-existent codes were not out of the realm of possibility.

As someone who has also spent many, many hours finding, generating, testing and posting codes myself, I'm as flabbergasted as you, although I think your frustration at me is misplaced. I have to work with the information I'm given.

And to further clarify, by hunting, I simply mean try every possible code NOT yet posted by anyone, including you.

By hunting I meant learning a code from the OEM remote, running it through a program that denotes its IRP, generating all possible codes for that IRP code set, dumping them into a pronto, firing them at any TV within sight, and documenting.

What is the HX series?  While this will sound rather elitist, I am fortunate to not have to encounter (read: DEAL WITH) these low end TV series where the manufacturer cuts serious corners in both quality of the picture (and quality of the board logic [in that they don't accept discretes]).

If you are referring the their recent projectors, yes, the 45/50 series vs their 1000 series was a little frustrating.

I have no idea what an HX is either. I just remember seeing a lot of complaints in other forums that they had no discrete input commands, which is rare for Sony, even at the low end.

I'm not a pro, so I don't have the time or access to other TVs to take the shotgun approach. I look at the range of known working OBCs (I don't need the IRP since all the protocol details are known) and come up with a smaller range of OBC candidates to test based on educated guesses and comparisons to other models of the same vintage. So my scope and goals are vastly different than yours.

I do appreciate your efforts and willingness to share your results.

The only reference to the HW series that I can find are the projectors.  It was annoying, as the Input A for one projo would go to the Input HDMI on another.  It is shame that someone didn't come here and look.  I was able to have those codes flushed months ago.

[Link: remotecentral.com]

My goal is to make it that much easier on the next guy who comes along looking for codes and solutions, and if I get the opportunity to have some teachable moments in the process (not some "first day" post on "where are codes for x), then I am extra lucky, as I have achieved my passion for imparting knowledge.

My access to other TVs has been me seeking them out.  Just head over to a store that doesn't have an active commission staff (like Sears) and still lets customers still play with their equipment (I'm looking at you BB).  Apparently the blue shirts don't like if you turn off their TVs.

I run with the broad approach of starting back at the IRP because I have found changes in the d/sd in models, particularly hunting codes for people on this subforum.  In particular, I jump back to the IRP for devices like a Sony which may accept 3 different protocols (Sony 12,15,20), which the projectors above accepted code from all three.

And when you deal with Marantz, you may be shifting between RC5 and RC6, so jumping straight to an OBJ isn't necessarily a valid approach for me.  It's just a thought.  I suppose, though, if you work with the same brands (and the same setup) like many shops do, the straight object approach could work.