I guess I don't know the meaning of "discrete" as you guys are using it. Wouldn't it be a function of the controlled device, i.e., it would need different (discrete) IR signals for "on " and "off"?

Thanks

Noah

Noah: Yes, it would be a function of the controlled device (some don't use discrete codes), but those IR codes would need to be in the pre-programmed device codes in the remote, or be able to be learned from somewhere (or enter into a PC program to download to the remote as in the Pronto) in order to be used.

Greg :-)

Well, there's no PC interface for the MX-500, so you're going to have to "borrow" your discrete codes from elsewhere...

Hi everyone,

Just got back from the show and it was awesome as usual. Greg - Daniel was right. I think you're gonna love the MX-500. I have an MX-1000 and I think I may be getting an MX-500 as well. I'm sure Daniel has the most accurate info on the changes (I only spoke to a salesman), so I'll defer to him rather than potentially mislead anyone. One interesting thing on display was a gloss black version of the MX-500. It will probably never be made as a production model, but it might be appealing to some (Pioneer Elite component owners?)

Anyway, the HTM people were very helpful and also very aware of this forum. Thanks to all who contributed.

Enjoy!

Greg,

So why wouldn't they be in the codes, and if they weren't, what's the big deal, since it's a learning remote?

Thanks.

No big deal. You just need a Cinema 7 or Radio Shack RS-1994 for the discreet codes and bingo!!!

Greg :-)

I'm missing something. Isn't a code a code, and whatever it is, why would you use a separate remote instead of learning it to the primary one? Could you please define what exactly a discrete code is and its ramifications?

Thanks

Noah

It's a code that does one specific thing instead of one that toggles or cycles between various states. They are indispensible for bulletproof macro operation. Most common examples are "turn device on", "turn device off", or "jump to this particular input". As opposed to "toggle power" or "cycle input".

Learning isn't possible, because the original remote only has the toggle/cycle button, even though the device will respond to the discrete code. So the solution is to get a remote that happens to have the discrete codes in preprogramming somewhere (OneForAll brand remotes), or a remote where you have software available ot directly enter the codes in hex (Pronto).

noah,

a discrete code is so much more than just a normal code. think of your power button on your remote right now. you use the same button to achieve two states, either on or off. a discrete code is either a specific on or a specific off. It can also be a specific input on your tv rather than cycle through all of the video inputs.
discrete codes give you the "power" to achieve a truely "friendly" system.

I understand the difficulties of system control when the same signal just toggles between two or more possible states. But again, isn't this a function of the code programming of the controlled device, or is the IR signal itself different with successive pushes of the remote button (seems unlikely)?

Can't be learned?!

Noah,

Let's use my Panasonic TV as an example. The remote has one Power button, which toggles power on and off. This button sends only one IR command, which tells the TV "If I'm on, turn off. If I'm off, turn on." My TV also accepts a Power On IR command and a Power Off IR command. For example, if the TV is On and you send Power On, it just stays on.

My Panasonic remote does NOT have buttons to send these discrete on and off commands, even though the TV will accept them. I found about about them by reading this forum, and purchasing a OFA Cinema 7. The Cinema 7 has the ability to send out all 256 possible IR commands for a particular device. Folks with more time than I have already tested and documented what, if anything, all of these commands do. SOME of them MAY be discrete codes, depending on the device. Not all devices have support for discrete codes; it all depends on how the device was designed and built.

I will buy the MX-500, and have it learn discrete codes from my Cinema 7, and I'll be in business.

Hope this helps,

Scott

Thanks, Scott! That's what I meant, Noah! The MX-500 does not have those "discreet" codes in its pre-programmed library. So, buying a cheap Cinema 7 or RS-1994 will allow you to enter the discrete code on the cheaper remote and then "teach" your MX-500 the discrete code.

This really is not a serious downfall of the MX-500. Most remotes do not have the ability to enter discrete codes.

Greg :-)