Hi all, been looking for a remote to do everything I need, started looking into Pronto, then MX-500, now 15-1994. I'm not sure if I "need" an MX-500 for what I'm trying to do, so I figured I'd put it to the experts to see if you have any ideas. Here's the scenario

Equipment:
Receiver: Mitsubishi MAV-1 (Never have found correct codes in any remote for this)
VCRs: 2 Samsung (identical) plus Symphonic
DVDs: Apex AD-600A Plus PC with Creative DXR2 card/IR Keyboard
Camcorder: Sony TR-series 8mm
CD Player: Pioneer PD-6700 (lost original remote)
Tape Player: Aiwa dual-deck
A/V Switcher: JVC SX-700? (7 inputs/4 outputs)
Cable: Scientific decoder box
TV: Toshiba 36" (no PIP)
LaserDisc: Pioneer 504 model

That's about 11 distinct devices. I was thinking I could consolidate on the 15-1994 by using codes for the major devices, and only learning the absolutely-necessary codes for the other devices. The problems I see are:

My Receiver is a "weird" one which I've never found codes for on a remote.
I extensively use the PC for DVD, and would have to learn all the IR keyboard commands to the appropriate buttons on the remote for this
I don't know if there are codes for the JVC SX-700 which may mean these need to be programmed as well
I need to use macros for getting all the components turned on (to get my cable viewable I have to turn on the converter, a VCR, the receiver, the switcher and the TV - I think that's the biggest of them.)

At any rate, it seems like the 15-1994 is limited on the learning it can do, so I wanted to see if those experienced with it thought I could at least get all the base functionality I need into it. If not, I'll probably be looking at the MX-500, which is more than 5 times as much money, but fully programmable. Which brings up my last question:

Does anyone know when it's going to be back on sale at Radio Shack for $29.99. It's $39.99 right now, and they won't budge on the price. For $29.99 I would just pick one up and give it a shot anyway!

Thanks!
[email protected]

The 15-1994 can only learn about 20-30 codes (your mileage may vary) before running out of memory so it would be tight.

Rob will point out you can build an upgrade box and program it yourself - but this is not a trivial task.

My advice buy the 15-1994 and see if it works - if not give it away to a friend with fewer devicea and you and you're only out $30.

Jim Cruickshank

Take a look at the instructions on how to build the JP1 interface and decide for yourself if you think you can do it.

One of the hackers in our group has invented a way to store almost unlimited devices on a single device key, so you'll totally be able to get all 11 of your devices in the 15-1994.

As for the weird receiver, it probably uses a fairly standard IR signal, even if no universal has the code, so it would probably be quite simply to learn a few of the commands, then look at them using our software and build yourself a brand new device code for it.

Check it out at [Link: hifi-remote.com]

Rob.