I just bought one of these based on the great review here, as well as the comments from this forum...thanks a lot, guys! I am very happy so far with this unit.

However, I am transitioning from the remote that came with my Marantz SR7000 receiver, and I just had some quick questions for those who have gone before...

1. What is the best method of convergence from previously having to switch tv input, audio input and channel input?

Example: When watching an analog cable signal on my tv (channels 1-100), I had to use the TV remote to change the channel, and change to the appropriate input on my receiver. If I wanted to watch digital cable (Channels 200-799), I had to change TV inputs, change channels using the cable remote, AND change audio to a different input. For HD cable (channels 800 and up), I had to once again switch TV inputs (but not audio)

Any ideas on how the MX500 can make this type of setup practical enough for a non-electronics guru to use it easily? I already did the AUX 155 dealie, and learned ALL (6) of my remotes into the MX500, but I still have the hassle of hunting and pecking - changing inputs, etc.

BTW, punch through is a GOD send!! :) At least I don't have to switch between audio inputs just to turn up the volume like I previously had to do.

I would appreciate any feedback you have.

thanks

This message was edited by rodeoclown on 05/28/02 13:09.14.

What you want to do is use macros for this, and hopefully there are plenty of discrete codes available for your inputs and everything else. The problem is - I doubt any of these codes are in the pre-programmed memory of the MX-500, so you'll need another remote that has the codes to learn to the MX-500! This "other remote" may be your original remote that came with your receiver, if it has all the functions you mentioned. You can just learn them right to the MX-500. If not:

The most popular remote for this is the One For All Cinema 7+ which has a large library of Advanced Codes, and also has the JP1 Interface (basically a cable which you can connect to your computer and get any code out there onto the Cinema 7+). The whole package is pretty inexpensive and a great help for all of the discrete coding you're looking to do.

Randy
www.BlueDo.com

This message was edited by www.BlueDo.com on 05/28/02 15:40.08.

The RC1200 remote that came with your receiver was probably capable of doing what your asking. It has learning capabilities and 10 step macros on the device buttons. Having said that, the MX-500 is a much more capable remote and depending on your equipment you may be able to do what you need by learning from your original remotes.
Advanced codes are easy to use and standard on most One For All and Radio Shack remotes. They can give you additional IR signals that your equipment will respond to but these signals were not included on the original remotes.
JP1 is more complicated but enables you to do even more.
Check out [Link: hifi-remote.com]

Is there anyway to load a CCF file into the MX-500? Can it be done with the JP1 deal from Randy? Randy -- I notice on your site that your out of stock on the mx-500 package -- any idea when you'll get the package in ready to ship?

Thanks

Doug,

1) Yes - you can use the JP1 setup to easily convert CCF to learn to the MX-500. It's the basic reason we created the package!

2) We're in stock and ship immediately.

Randy
www.BlueDo.com

Randy

Where can I find a guide on how to take a CCF, convert it via JP1 and teach it to the MX-500? Will it be included with the package I ordered? By the way, your order system is great -- went out that afternoon and I expect it via UPS today. Thanks for the great service.

Doug,

Check out [Link: hifi-remote.com]

That's "The Robman's" site and it contains everything known about JP1, including how to convert CCF to program a JP1-capable remote. Once you program the URC7800 with the codes you want, you just teach to the MX-500 as if it were your original TV remote (or whatever device!)

Randy
www.BlueDo.com

As Randy points out, (in addition to the discrete codes that make all of this even easier) using macros will finish the puzzle you are putting together.

My MX-500 I use in my 2nd system is set to do what I believe is what you are wanting to do. IOW, When I press a device key, say VCR, the 500 moves to the 1st VCR page. But if I hold the VCR device button down for 1 second, the 500 switches to the receiver's VCR input, sets the TV to S-VHS input and goes back to the MAIN page (in case I decide to switch devices later (the number buttons, channel up/down and punched thru volume still work everything.))

Hope this helps...

I did the device macro "thing" for everything I run thru the receiver. It works pretty slick!