Hey all,

I've been posting over in the discrete code area of RC, but for some reason can't seem to get any response whatsoever. Either I'm breaching some etiquette rule about posting questions in the wrong area (I assume someone would tell me) or no one knows the answer to my questions (which I seriously doubt, judging by the calibur of responses I've seen while reading through other posts).

So I'll post the meat of my questions here, and I guess if I don't get anything, I'll try AVS forum or Anandtech. I always get replies there...

I'm shopping for a remote. I keep flopping back and forth between the URC R40 and Harmony One, but I'm leaning toward the R40 due to customizability and flexibility. I don't need RF, so unless the spendier models fit my situation in other ways, I can rule them out.

I've been doing some research on using discrete codes: is either of the above remotes able to use these discrete hex codes on its own, or, as I've read, would I need to first purchase a cheap "jp1" remote (One For All?) to program a discrete code and have my chosen remote manually learn the code from the jp1 remote?

Other than that, since no one seems to know a discrete code for the Netflix (within Samsung Smart Hub) question, I would assume a macro would just include a Smart Hub command, then 2 right cursors to select Netflix (among other component switches). Although since I've never owned a remote capable of macros (I've always had at least 4 remotes lying everywhere), I can only make assumptions, but is this basically how a macro would function? And would either of these remotes perform better than the other in this case?

The R40 will need another remote to teach the codes if the ones you want are not already in the URC database somewhere. JP1 would be a good option. The Harmony does not normally allow the entering of hex codes but there are some work arounds such as using concordance or some other front ends. You could also probably try calling support and asking them to add the hex code you need.

That is the basic concept, yes. A macro is just a series of commands executed in order.

There may not be a discrete code to take you to netflix on your samsung so you many have to do something like you propose.

The R40 has quite a bit more flexibility than the Harmony when it comes to macros. The Harmony has the advantage of being PC programmable.

The most unfortunate thing about the R40 is the name “My Favorite Remote”

I have a harmony one, and have managed to get most of the discrete codes in. I did try and get Logitech to put them in for me, but unfortunately since my remote was more than 90 days old, they would not even answer my email without my agreeing to pay the $29 per incident fee.

I was able to get most of the desired codes in using a work a round:

[Link: avforums.com]

That being said, I do not know much about the URC R40, except unlike my experiences with Logitech's less than wonderful tech support (I have had recent issues with other Logitech products where they do not even seem to read my support emails, before they type an unrelated answer), my experience with URC has been wonderful.

I have 3 URC MX-500's which I still use and love, although using a Harmony One in my main viewing area.

They stand behind their devices and over the years I have dropped and broken the MX-500's several times. I have tile floors and not uncommonly when dropped the backlight mechanism breaks.

Sending them the remotes has yielded wonderful results with them fixing and sending back the devices way after the warrantee period was over (5-10 years later). I wish more companies stood behind their stuff like this. In.one instance they even sent me a brand new remote, and the original was more than 5 years old I think.

Thanks for the replies!

It looks like my next move is to purchase a cheap remote for transmitting the programmed discrete codes to my (as yet unpurchased) R40. I've found a few Radio Shack type remotes on ebay for less than 10 bucks, but I've got a programmable cable box remote I'm hoping will work...

Inside the battery compartment, the model number says ur4u-mdvr-chd2. I can't tell from searching, but will this remote allow me to program discrete codes and "teach" them to the R40? If so, I've saved myself $10!

Thanks in advance...

No, thats made by URC,only remotes from UEI accept advanced codes(EFC's).

Thanks for the reply, Edmund.

As I understand it, I'll be able to program discrete codes and "teach" them to another remote with this remote:

[Link: cgi.ebay.com]

Is this correct?

Thanks!

That's a really old remote, and is poorly suited to adding discretes for new equipment.  UEI remotes are programmable, but the remote already has to have the IR protocol and (usually) the device numbers built in.  That RS remotes, for example, can't be programmed for most Blu-Ray players.  Nor can it do any of the combo protocols.  

Get a RCA RCRP05B.  It's less than $20.  Or, if you really want to go cheap, buy a Comcast (red OK/Select button) or Atlas (but don't get a 1056-B03) cable remote.  The Comcast is usually available to $6 or so on eBay.  The RCRP05B has more protocols and device numbers.