This would be for a theater or family rm not multi-room

Has anybody tried using all products with rs-232 and instead of a "please wait page". A page that reads the status of each product . Using the serial string macro trigger .
It would read like this
Tv on
Tv input correct
Avr on
Avr input correct
Etc,
It is alot of extra programing and u need all rs 232 products . But it would cut down service calls since if there is a problem the remote will say Incorrect or something. So when the client calls you say theater is not working you can ask what the remote says . I have a client that every time her cable is out, this would cut down on the troubleshooting. I tell her its the cable right away , but she still makes me go thru things . I know it the cable most times since it after a big storm. I think the quick i can prove that the better i will look. What do u guys think?

You would also need to have 2way drivers for every product... Isn't going to happen.


I would start sending her a bill for every time she calls you and it ends up being the cable. Either she will pay the bills and keep calling, or she will start to realize that your gear works great, the cable sucks and stop calling... either way, you win.

I use nested flags to accomplish what you are trying to do. I track the power status, settings and inputs for each device.

Problem with that is even if the TV is unplugged, the flag still trips and the remote still says that the TV turned on.

Or... you could ask her if the TV in the Kitchen works? No? Well the cable is out. No RS232, No flags, ANY customer can perform this.

Train her to troubleshoot before calling you.

Plus, what happens when something doesn't turn on or go to the right input or whatever?  Does the remote get stuck in an infinite loop?

jim , that was a problem that i was thinking of. I was think it jumps to a help page like harmony has. I have seen people do this for urc.

Andy, i don't think the serial trigger driver needs a 2-way driver, It reacts to any serial string,

I have her check other tv's. I don't want to bill her since I'm trying to get refferals . A couple referals will more than pay for all the trouble. I just think any way I can make my program better I will do it. If I need to spend 8 hours of free time setting my self apart then its worth it.

I still fail to see the point...

If you are using RS232 (One way) for everything, and your programming is good, there should never be a miss. Even if your using Direct IR inputs it shouldn't ever miss... hell, I can't remember the last time a properly attached emitter missed.

The beauty of RTI processors is that only one blip needs to get through, the processor does EVERYTHING... assuming you are setting everything up properly. It's all or nothing.

If the cable box is turning off on its own, then add a video sensor into the mix (plugged into the Dig coax out). That solves any issues with the cable box.