Hi, I'm thinking about buying a Kameleon 8 for my dad (and possibly one for myself, too) for his birthday. My question is, what exactly can you do with macros? The functionality I'd like to have is for him to be able to hit a macro button and it would switch all inputs necessary for watching a DVD, VHS tape or watching TV through his A/V receiver.

For example, if he wants to watch a DVD, he has to turn the TV to "Video 1", and the A/V receiver to "Video2". Will the Kameleon 8 do that? Will it turn on the TV, A/V receiver and DVD player with a macro?

I've read the review and a few posts here, but I'm still unclear as to what you can and can't do with macros.

Thanks in advance for any help!

With the basic OFA Kameleon remotes (without jp1) you can program up to 15 steps for a macro (and put it on one button). With those 15 steps it is possible to do what you are asking, and MANY have done it. One of the biggest questions addressing difficulty is "What are your (and your dad's) device brand and model.

The reason for the question is because different brands and models accept different "discrete codes". These are commands that can be sent with the remote that perform a specific function, sometimes not even available on the factory remote. The more discrete codes your device will accept, usually the easier it is to program the macro to work the way you want it.
Jim

Hmm, can't answer very specifically on my dad's stuff, except to say it's a fairly new DVD player, a fairly new Sony A/V receiver and an old TV.

As for my stuff, I have a Harman/Kardon AV120 receiver, a JVC 32" TV (AV-32D502), and a Sony 5-disc DVD changer (don't remember the model off the top of my head).

Wow, sounds very much like my setup. Marantz RCVR, JVC TV and Sony 5 disc DVD. You shouldn't have any problems setting yours up to work just as you like. Your dad's, though, you may have to get some help from a Sony guru like Edmund for the receiver. Can't tell about the TV or DVD unless you have brands. The Toshibas are some of the worst in terms of not offering many discrete code options.

Cool, thanks for the info.

I know where to post in case I have problems!! :)

I have the URC 9960. I have tried to clear the Macro by holding the Setup button for two flashes. Tried the reprogrmaing of the Macro by going thru the procedure but every time I press a device the screen goes back to progrmaing mode. I cannot see the buttons associated with the device. I have tried several times to clear the Macro but of no help. I tried calling the URC help desk but they cannot help. They recomneded resetting the remote to factory specs and they can resend the codes. I got the codes after great trouble and I do not want to redo the entire process again.Please help me in clearing the old macro

According to the manual (page 17), to clear a macro, follow these steps:

1) Press and hold SETUP until the two bottom IR segments flash twice.

2) Press MACRO once. The Macro programming screen will appear

3) Select the Macro Key to be cleared and press it once. The last-selected device menu screen will be displayed.

4) Press and hold SETUP until the two bottom IR segments flash twice. The Program Keys will appear again.

5) To exit programming, press HOME once.The display will return to the last-selected device menu screen.

Hi Mark,

I have tried this and it does not work. I can see two flashes and have pressed home once. Now I am ready to reprogram the macro by the following sequence:

Hold the set up button till I get the programing screen.
Press Macro 1
Press Device (TV/DVD etc)

Here is the problem:
The remote goes back to the programing screen. I cannot assign any commnads

Why are you pressing the device key at that point? That doesn't seem to match instructions posted here and elsewhere.

Are you trying to program the macro onto the device key itself? I don't think the remote will let you do that.

I may see the confusion here.

Yogesh, when you want to program a macro, start by putting the remote in the device mode that you want the macro in. Example: I want to put a macro on the remote to switch the TV to channel 4. I want to put this macro on Macro 1 button. First, I select TV. Then I do exactly as John detailed in Post 7.

It appears as though you may be trying to select the device mode after entering the macro sequence. That's not how it is setup.

Hopefully this was the issue. Post back and let us know.

Jim

Not to add to the confusion, but macros are GLOBAL so the device mode is irrelevant.

Hi,

Thanks to all who responded to my question.
I had to use 980 to clear all custom programing. I was able to program the Macro 1-4. The downloaded codes were not erased with this process.
How to clear the power macro? Any suggeations

I don't want to start a new thread and this comment is appropriate.

I have the 9960 Kameleon and programmed the four macro keys -- in CBL/SAT mode -- and then set up "Theatre" mode. Now, when I'm in Theatre mode, the macros don't do what I programmed. If I switch back to CBL/SAT mode, they do work correctly.

My question goes against what you just stated: Are the macros in fact per device ?? As in, can you store what, (32) macro sequences, (4) per device ??

No, the macros are global, they will show up in all DEVICES, but the home theater mode isn't a device.

I realize now what it's doing.... I programmed, for example, "00566" onto M1. In CBL/SAT mode, as mentioned, it does 8-second rewind or "A" or whatever. In Theatre mode, it changes the CBL box to channel "005" and then "66".... :-)

I want to use Theatre mode because it shows all the keys I want. CBL/SAT, device 1877, only shows the DVR keys when you "scroll" to the next page. In Theatre mode, they show up on the 1st page.

That sucks.....