I have been researching the MX 500 and other Universal Remotes. It appears that the MX 500 is the best choice for the money, but I have a few questions.

Will the 500 work well with TIVO functions (watch live TV, select, record, TIVO, etc...)? I have the Pioneer HDD / TIVO?

Also, to switch inputs on my JVC TV it requires pushing the input button to scroll to the desired input device (not helpful for programming / macros). Is there an advanced code or discrete code that can be used to "easily" select a particular input?

Should I be considering another remote (would like to spend <$150 and ease of use is important, since we have young kids in the house).

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

Yes, if you learn the commands from your Pioneer remote.



The MX-500 can't do any more than what's on your original remotes. There is no inputting of discrete commands available. The only way to get them is from learning from another remote (which is why the MX-500 is often available packaged with a One for All remote) or with the IRClone device.

You could also consider one of the Harmony remotes or stepping up to an MX-700.

Mike
www.SurfRemoteControl.com

If I were you, I'd consider moving up to the MX-700. Having a PC-programmable remote tends to extend the life and usefulness of the remote, since updates and downloads are more readily available.

With the MX-700, if a discreet is available, chances are you'll be able to get it, even if it's not in the IR database. Home Theater Master is a very responsive company and typically offers to create codes using the original remote. They will attempt to get discreets into the database upon request as well.

Harmony makes a nice remote, but I can't speak for their discreet capabilities or the responsiveness of their Customer Service.



Thank you,
Damon DG

Based on your response, I could use the OFA remote or the IRClone device, I could get a "code" entered into the MX 500 to allow "easy" programming access to various video inputs.

Along with the previous equipment listed, I also need to control a Sony home theater system.

I had originally considered a harmony remote given the "internet" setup, but after ready the reviews here, it looked like the MX 500 was the way to go.

Obviously, I want to control each piece of equipment (approx. 5 total pieces) and would like to have several simple macros to switch input devices, play dvd, switch to High def.

Sorry for the long response, but I want to make the best choice for programming and ease of use. If you think the Harmony might be the way to go, can you recommend which one?

Thanks for all your help!
On 12/28/04 20:50 ET, MikeSRC said...

From this discussion, I conclude that I can not program a specific TV input [ cable or DVD ] onto one of the 10 Device Buttons on the MX 500 which means that I have to change the input with my Hitachi remote control before or after pressing a "Macro Button". Please advise if this is a wrong conclusion. If so, how do I program a specific input?

No, you wouldn't need your Hitachi remote. The MX-500 can duplicate any command on your original remote. If you have buttons for individual inputs on your original remote, you can have them on the MX-500. The issue arises when you only have an "Input" button on your original remote that scrolls through the inputs. Using that button in a macro would require you to know what input you were on, so you could program the correct number of "Input" button pushes to get to where you want to go.

My Hitachi remote requires the following to select an input source:
Press Input button
Scroll Up or Down to desired input
Press right curser to select the desired input
Press "Exit" to get out of the input screen

The use of the curser up/down and right precludes selecting an input for a Macro. The work around is to leave the TV on the correct input
when turned off. That will be a minor problem.

Thanks for the reply. I should have been more specific about my Hitachi remote.



.

Information for all: I have been able to program a Macro for two different TV "inputs" by having the MX500 learn the Hitachi up,down,right, and left curser toggles as "device buttons" within the MX500 TV function. I aslo had the MX500 learn the "input" from the Hitachi control. Within the Macro, I placed: TV-Power-inputs-down or up -right-exit. I am only using two different inputs, but one could use more by repeating the "down or up" command. I had to experiment a lot with time delays to get this to work with my Hitachi 51F510 projection TV. Those time delays were the key to making the Macros work. I then made a another Macro to shut down the DVD system [ uses TV input 2] that changes the TV input to the cable input [ uses TV input 1 ] prior to "power off". Thus, my DVD play Macro changes the TV input to #2 and the DVD shutdown Macro changes the TV input to #1 so that my Cable play Macro or subsequent DVD Macro activation will work properly.

See post # 8 in this thread. The MX500 can be programed to make changes in the TV input. I have one button macros for TV, DVD, and CD. It works very well. I recommend this remote for those who want hard buttons.