I'm very close to buying a URC R50 as my first real universal remote. My mother-in-law frequently gets devices out of sync when powering them on and our existing cable-company remote macro isn't cutting it. I really need discrete codes so that ON means ON and she can't get stuck in a loop where at least one device is always off because the power button just toggles things.

I've read some reviews on the R50 that concern me - people using some other remote control to get a discrete code and then having the R50 learn it. Is there no way to tell an R50 to use discrete commands without another remote? That seems like total BS for a high quality non-Radio Shack remote such as this.

Is this a bad choice for my only universal remote? Is there a similar remote that can be programmed to use discrete codes?

Thanks.

Unfortunatly the R50 is a consumer remote, so most of us on here have no experience with it. With most consumer remotes out there, the database isn't anywhere near as detailed as the custom ones are, so not all devices will have discretes available to use.

There are a good number of discretes in the R50 database, however there's no guarantee that what you would need is there. And unfortunantly, if it's not there there's no way to get it there except through some other remote. Assuming that the codes even exist.

The above posts are pretty old. The R50 has survived a long time. It's 2014 and the R40 is the newest? Does it have the same limitations with regard to discrete codes? In other words my old MX700 I have had for many years with it's faulty screen* would be the only way to get any discrete codes to the R40? (I have no other computer based remote).

*not a complaint on the MX700 - it is just getting those blank lines across the text making it impossible to read certain rows. Time for a new remote. I am sad I have no options as a consumer to get a URC with a computer set up option. Am I wrong?

I am guessing I will set up 'devices' on the R40 or R50 like "watch TV" and "Watch Movie" or "big sound" (in addition to the actual remote mock ups for the actual DVD player or TV) that will allow for unique pages of soft keys that will be specific to that activity.

I have read where the R40 does not allow for hidden soft keys, so I suspect I will have to have a device (named 'don't go here') whose only job is to store macro sequences or learned commands that other buttons will be linked to so that the user will not have a page on an actual "device" they are using that will have a bunch of unusable fragments of sequences/codes.

And finally, because it is not computer based, I have to get the layout right the first time (plan ahead) because I can't tweak how the soft buttons are arranged?

My brain goes back to the programming headaches of my first URC remote without soft kets or screens.

Anyway, someone please save me from the Harmony One (I just got done trying to use it: transport button placement hard to get to; gesture option not as usable without looking at remote; family immediately opting to pick up 2-3 remotes simply because it is less mentally taxing). Help!

David

Is the solution to a missing discrete codes be: to purchase an inexpensive all for one remote form Radioshack, download JP1 software (it will work for the Mac) and program the needed discretes from somewhere on the web into the JP1 software to the One for All remote then learn it to the R40?

You won't find jp1-able remotes at radio shack. Some say certain ones have RCA RCRP05BR in them, I have never seen one. At least here in the Los Angeles area. And you won't find jp1 cable at a store either. You might use a cheaper harmony to get the discretes you need. What are the discretes you need? List them.

As I understand it, the remotes that come with receivers, DVRs, etc often do not have all the functionality available (discrete on/off, or code to specify sound mode or input etc. - so you can't learn them from the remote as they don't exist on the remote.) I am fortunate to have used the MX-700 for years and have those that I need for all my equipment except the new TiVo Roamio basic DVR. In addition, I understand if I purchase the R40, there will be an available array of codes that will get downloaded if I choose (I can learn the remote if I want). I do not know if I will get the discrete codes until I try. So I don't know what I am missing from the Roamio box. I am guessing I will want to try to find the on/off, auto direct to MLB.com, Netflix, and You Tube (if they even exist).

I am just trying to solve the possible problems before I buy.

Is there an MX-700 or newer model out there with a software MX editor like program for the consumer?

Thank you for your reply, I have learned a lot.

The only commands TiVo responds to that aren't found on the current oem TiVo remote, are commands previously found on older remotes. Like standby, stop. No one has ever found a discrete command not previously found on older remotes. sorry. There has never been a discrete power commands for TiVo.

Thanks - TiVo doesn't really turn off.

My MX-Editor is no longer supported and my family has moved towards the iOS systems. My old Windows based laptop is on its last leg and I wanted to upgrade to what I thought would happen (a iOS MX-editor). Alas. 'Tis not to be. I'll just lay out the R40 on paper the best I can before programming.