I just picked up an old MX-500. I found out that this remote does not do discrete codes. The only way to get it to learn discrete code is to get another remote (Radio Shack or One For All) that does discrete codes and then learn these keys to the MX-500.

My question is, which inexpensive remotes can I use to learn these discrete codes to my MX-500. Lot of people have mentioned the older models from Radio Shack such as 15-1991 and and 15-1194 or the Cinema 6 or 7 All in One. These models are very old and they are hard to find. Does anybody know of any other current models that are inexpensive that does discrete codes. I live in Canada. I bought a One For All 5 (Model #COARC05G) learning remote from the Source, however it does not look like it does discrete codes.

Can someone recommend current models of inexpensive remotes that can do the discrete code, that I can buy in Canada.

I also need the discrete codes for my Samsung LCD TV and my Samsung Home Theater System. Would somebody have these codes that I can use on this remote. I have the following models:

Samsung LN52A850 - LCD TV
Samsung HT-TZ515 - Home Theater System

Thanks.

Sorry, not a full reply here, but rather an echo from someone in the same boat.

I've an MX-500 for over 5 years and got on reasonably well with it, but the lack of discrete codes is definitely a limitation. My TV/Hi-Fi system is quite small, but has the usual badly-behaved bunch of kit that has only toggle controls for power and device inputs etc.

I have worked around this reasonably successfully using a combination of an IR-controlled 4-way power strip that has a discrete ON command (so I can start each viewing session in a known state) and macros in the MX500, but i'm right up against the macro length limit in a couple of cases, and some of these macros contain over 60 key presses (with delays) so they are a royal pain to make minor changes to.

I'm wondering whether the URC 7960 would fit the bill as a source of discrete codes. It's cheap and readily available for me in the UK. For you too in Canada I think, assuming you can ship from the US-

[Link: amazon.co.uk]

[Link: amazon.com]

(I hope the links above show up correctly)

According to the docs this remote can definitely have the full range of One for All codes installed. However they refer to calling their support department for "advanced codes", not very efficient if 100s of customers are doing that.

Surely someone has set up a "code wiki" where One for All users could contribute to a code knowledgebase. If not, this site would be a great place to host one.

Actually the JP1 site has many thousands of advanced codes (frequently termed EFCs), and the free software to read the files, or to convert Pronto Hex and other formats into EFCs.

I had a look at the JP1 forums, and it seems the 7960 as a new design isn't fully supported by the JP1 software yet. They are obviously working on it, but it's not yet an off the shelf solution if you want to use the JP1 software and interface cable.

First, you asked for advanced codes, and the site will provide those, and the 7960 of course doesn't require JP1 to enter them.  So you can get most discretes without an interface cable.  Just enter the EFC manually.

Also, I think you mis-estimate the currrent capability of JP1 with respect to the 7960.  Certainly for the purpose of generating discrete codes to send to another (less capable ) remote, the JP1 support is way more than adequate.