I currently have two Sony B50 satellite receivers, that I would like to know how to control by remote independently. I use VTR1,2,3 with my Sony vcr's, but this feature is not on the B50's. I want to basically change channels and power off on one unit, and have the second receiver not affected. I will be soon picking up a Sony AV2100 remote, will this help me program a different code for the second receiver? Any help is greatly appreciated, Thanks.

go into the B-50's menu,
go to the remote address page
change the address on one of the B-50's
change one the remote address

the procedure is described in your instruction manual.

Actually the procedure you describe is not listed in the manual. How to program the remote to run other devices like VCR, TV, etc. is described in the manual. No where in the manual does it list anything about running two satellite receivers. I really would just like to program a Sony AV2100 remote so each satellite receiver would be a different input, so when I change channels on one satellite receiver, the channel doesn't change on the other, and effect anyone watching on the second tv. About the B50 menu and the remote address page, I believe you just change your vcr codes there, but I could be wrong. I have our whole home theatre system apart now to be rewired, so I cannot check the menu of one of the receivers. Though I don't remember seeing anywhere to change what I need, I could have overlooked it also. Thanks again for your help.

You can control multiple Sony DSS receivers, but only via RF. There's only one IR command code supported (which your RM-AV2100 would use).

Ok, then I guess there is no way around it with an IR remote. I don't really want to go shopping for the RF remote, I have enough as it is. I guess a real easy fix would be to stick a POST-IT note or something similar in front of the IR path on the receiver. I don't know if that would work, but it doesn't hurt to try. Thanks again for all your help.

You could sell one of the B50's and replace it with another brand. It would cost you a couple of bucks but would solve your problem

Steve

that's right, only one infra-red address.

you could control around 10 different receiver's with
each their own address but only in the RF-UHF domain.

so far no universal RF-UHF learnable remote exist.
(do not confuse thoose universal that transmit UHF but can only learn infra-red codes)

You could always use an addressable ir router like the little gizmos from xantech. I've had pretty good luck doing itthat way with programmable remotes.

The Xantech IR router works great with a Pronto or other remote capable of macros, but without one you'd need Xantech's RC68 remote as well, which would be kind of inconvenient.

Also, the Sony B-series sat boxes don't respond to RF, only the A-series. So, your choices are A: switch one box for another brand, or B: replace both with Sony A55's. You'll still have to re-ID your remote when switching between them, or else keep both remotes together.

...or, of course, get a Crestron SmarTouch ;)

Obviously the Xantech switcher would be controlled by a remote capable of macros. Doing two A-series RF receivers would be silly...one A and one B would be more silly. Switching one box to another brand is a good idea, unfortunately Sony has the best GUI.

And the xantech codes are, of course, available on this very site...no need for RC-68.