Using an MX-3000, what are the advantages of using an Alias versus Code (pre-programmed or learned) versus Punch Through? Take for example the Volume control of the receiver when playing DVDs or CDs: Why would I want to use Alias when the Code is just as readily available or the Punch Through command? Thanx for anyone's enlightening assistance.

For a single IR code, there really isnt much difference between all three.
The Punch Through does behave differently than the alias in some circumstances such as with RF routing.

Where Alias'ing would be of benefit though is if you create a long Macro such as a ALL SYSTEM OFF or ON, and wanted that button to be available in multiple places. Instead of having to duplicate that macro in more than one spot. Just create it in one, and alias to it from the remaining buttons.

Aliasing also allows for nested variable macros, such that you can create "smarter" macros which only perform certain steps based on the state of the variables linked to each.

Again, for single IR codes, not much difference between the three.

-3B

Aliasing is also benieficial in memory usage. An alias uses less memory than an IR command. Instead of storing an IR code 10 times, you can store it once and alias to it the other 9 times. Very similiar to a pointer in software programming. Not a big deal when using a simple interface with minimal macros, but could be realized with complex macros and intense graphics and animations as triple B as eluded to above.

Well, thankfully, the remote is smart enough to only store the IR code once. Even when each macro shows the IR code directly in the window, it is just as you describe with the Pointer in Programming. The Remote stores one single instance of the IR code, and then just points to it each time it is used.
Same goes for pictures, sounds, etc. So you can re-use the same IR, Picture, Sound as many times as you want without worry of wasting any extra space.

-3B

Thanx for the feedback and insight. I can now see where it could make a difference depending on the application. My appreciation once again for the info.

There is another issue if you are or ever plan to use the RF routing. When you assign a device to a specific IR channel, then only commands that originate inside of that device get sent to that IR channel, therefor you must alas to the commands in that divice to assure that it's sent to the right IFR channel.

For example:

If you have assigned your TV device to IR channel 1
and you DVD device to IR channel 2

And your in your TV device and execute a macro that sends a play command to you dvd and you have inbeded a direct PLAY command into the macro then the play command is routed to the TV and your DVD does not respond. You must use an alias here so that the dvd's play command is executed inside the DVD device and the command is routed properly to IR channel 2.