This is the first remote I have ever owned that took 4 key presses to do ANYTHING! Is there a way I can have the 3200 default to the device input page so that I can select what source that I want to watch? Also is there a way to program the 3200 so I can get BACK to the device input page with a single button press? TIA.

First you need to read the FAQ section here concerning your 3200. I am not familiar with the 3200, but if it is like the 500 it does not ship with the latest version of firmware and software. You can get those right here on this site or on the phillips site. Once you get the latest version of software on your puter start getting used to it. It does not take 4 pushes of the buttons to do anything on the Neo. The Neo is a very good remote, it just takes some time to learn. Good luck Butch

Be careful, though : since I updated the firmware on my RC3200, I've NOT been able to make it learn ANY code.

I'd suggest sticking with the original firware...

I searched for rc3200 faq and it came up blank.

|I am not familiar with the 3200, but

I read through the forums and many said that they had problems with/after the update. I think I will leave it as is. ;^)

It does not take 4 pushes of the buttons

If it is like the 3200 then please tell me how to avoid the folling:

For example, when I want to watch DSS I must:
1. Press HOME
2. Select AMP
3. Press page to select page 2 (input source)
4. Select DSS for input
5. Press home to get DSS page

If you know of an easier way to select input source then PLEASE tell me!


Thanks, but I think I am going to need more than luck!

I have my NEO set up so that the "f" (function) key always goes to the macros page. On my macros page I have macros for Watch TV, Watch VCR, All Off, etc. I would add a macro to my page that was "switch to DSS" since this is obviously something you do often that does these steps. Your 5 step sequence would become 2.
1) press "f"
2) press "switch to DSS".

Another hint is to think out of the Device oriented box. For instance, on your DSS control page, create a copy of your Amps select DSS for input button. I have Amp power and TV input select on my TV page, my amp power, amps DVD input, and TV power buttons copied on my DVD page, etc.

Take some time and analyze how you use your system. Create macros for the longer tasks. Create copies of buttons from other devices pages for small tasks you find you do often.

Regards,
TM.

First of all, if there are concerns about a firmware upgrade, I would strongly recommend contacting Marantz about this. It is normally advisable to always be using the latest version of firmware/software. It is usually the best way among others to get the best help here on this site with problems. My old 500 was set up similar to TheMule's. Once I was on my home page I would press the Cable icon. That triggered a macro that would select cable source, jump to the cable page on my remote.

TheMule says: "Take some time and analyze how you use your system. Create macros for the longer tasks. Create copies of buttons from other devices pages for small tasks you find you do often."

This is how you do it. Let us know. Good luck. Butch

What is the function switch? Is it a hard key or soft key? I have the following hard keys:

Channel up and down
vol up and down
mute
EX exit
M Menu
S Status


I am still trying to find a way to do this in an efficient manor. The problem that I am running in to is that one page does not seem to be quite enough and two pages is cumbersome. If I could assign multi functions to single keys (macro) on any page then that would help.


Very good advice! Sorry if I seemed a bit impatient, but I stand buy my original statement with this addition. As configured from the factory, this is without a doubt, the least user friendly and most cumbersome remote I have ever used and I have used many! ;^) I appreciate everyones help and I will try to be a little more patient but unless I can simplify things a bit, I will constantly have to explain to my wife how to operate this thing and she still will not be able to use it. NOT a good thing. ;^)

Thanks again guys. I REALLY appreciate your help! If you have any ncf file examples that I could look at to illustrate what you are doing then that would also be very helpful and help me save some time.

OK, first of all are you using Marantz software to configure your remote? If not than I do not believe you will be able to assign macros to a device button. It is all very simple:
1. As configured from the factory, the Neo is BORING!
2. In order to get the most from your remote you absolutely need to use editing software.
3. Yes you can download *ncf's right here in the files section that will allow you to see how others have set their remotes.
4. The big thing I guess, is to learn the software. It takes time and patience. Once it is set up your wife will love it. Guaranteed. Butch

Okay, then. I mailed them asking for advice, a way to revert the RC3200 to the previous firmware (since the new one won't learn a single code and the remote hangs when trying to learn)(reset needed...). I don't have the right email address or they are slow.

Maybe people here (Daniel ?) can reach the right persons ?

Marc, did you try re-flashing the firmware again? At this point it may me worth a try. Butch

Butch : At least 10 times :-)

Marc,
Are you using Windows XP? Butch

A very BIG thank you to all whom took time to reply with very useful information and advice. I am quickly becoming more attuned to the power of the RC3200. With your help, the remote has become MUCH more useable.

Thanks again guys!

Sorry...I didn't realize that the mirantz version was physically different from the standard TSU-500. On the TSU-500 there is a mute button beneath the vol arrows and a key with an "f" on it beneath the channel arrows. This "f" function key I have linked to jump to macros.

Agreed. There is very little real estate to work with. Looking at many of the NCFs here, people have constructed visually beautiful remotes. However, thinking outside the device oriented box requires choosing function over form. I use the smallest buttons I can select so that I can jam as many as possible on a page. You are correct in noting that multiple pages are a pain and will not be usable by visiting novices. Function over form looks bad but is mitigated by trying to make sure you have your heavy hitting functions on hard keys. My goal is to never have to hit the device button and go through that intermediate menu. I want 99% of my remoting to be done unconciously w/hard keys. My mom, babysitter, etc doesn't want to learn about tabbed menus, devices, etc.

I love my NEO but I'm a software engineer and I like to tinker with things. I think the product, from a product standpoint, borders on User Hostile. Unsupported software. Unresponsive/unhelpfull support. Without this forum and a background/willingness to really tinker there is little chance for success. However, with this forum and a willingness to tinker and persistence, you end up with a very nice programmable remote.

Yes and No.

I used XP first, then I tried Win2000 and flashed the remote again with 2K. Two or three times.

nada.