I have a Philips DVDR 985 which is a DVD recorder. It acts EXACTLY like a VCR except it records to DVD. I tried setting up a Record Television activity for it, but it won't let me select this device as the device for the activity, it only lets me select the VCR. How can I create an activity for this? Or on a more general note, how can I create my own generic activities that will do what I want them to do?

Did you set this device up as a DVD? If so you probably need add it as a VCR device and rename it. It should have record attributes then.

An EXCELLENT idea, unfortunatly the folks are Harmony are too smart for my own good. They have categorized all the VCRs together, so I cannot pick the device from their list when I try to add it as a VCR. I tried hacking the XML together, but there is nothing in either device to put together. :-(

I also have a DVD burner. I set it up as a PVR and it works perfectly.

I tried this now too, and the 985 is not listed under Philips PVR. I guess I am missing something here, how do I create a new device when they don't have anything close to it in the DB?

Enter the device name (Philips DVDR-985), then use the IR recognition from your original remote to determine the language. You should be able to set it up from there. Also, Harmony support is very good about adding new devices and helping with characterizing your devices, so you might want to e-mail or give them a call.

Mike
www.SurfRemoteControl.com

I have been in touch with Harmony Support and they have setup the device as a VCR to give me access to all of the "wizards" at the harmony site. I will test it tonight.

I sent Harmony an email about a week ago requesting that a new type of device, a DVD Recorder, be established, but I haven't heard back yet. Did they give you any indication that this type of device may be set up soon?

Here is the quote from their e-mail:

"Thank you for the additional information. This has allowed me to create a new device characterization that I think will work for you. I have added a VCR device type to your account with all the features and infrared commands of your DVDR. This is the best way to use your Harmony Remote with your DVDR at this time."