You are right on. I am a faily technology savy person and am not scared of digging in a bit, my goal in the end is to make the system easy for others (parents, etc.) to use. There are so many choices out there that it is confusing to get started. A few follow up questions:

1) I read the review of the Harmony remote. Sounds interesting. Is it really good? How hard is it to program in comparision to a RC 5000 or Pronto? The design also looks cheap.

2) Is there a good place to find a general "How to program remotes" where I could read up on what it takes and the general terminology and processes in programming? (ie. discrete codes, CCF, etc.)

3) Of the components listed above, are these fairly simple components with discrete codes, etc. that are easy to program?

4) What is the best way to deal with the issue of synchronization? That is one problem I am running into with my current RC2000 remote. Do discrete codes totally take care of this?

Thanks so much for your input. If I were to have someone program a remote for me, how long would it take, how do I find someone very good, and how much should it cost?

1) it depends what you want to do, for basic stuff (i.e. use it as is) all you do is answer questions (i.e. pick an activity [like watch TV] then it asks you what you use to change the channels, what channels you want, what is used for sound .....) if you want to do more complicated stuff then you must be able to edit XML. You might like the design of the newer version



from what I hear, it looks much better

2) every remote involves different things, you don't program a Pronto the same way you do a MX-500 or a Harmony. So there cannot be a global how-to. But there is a glossary if you are interested in the different terms. As for setting up the different remotes, I think the best place to start is with Daniel's reviews.

3) not sure what discrete codes exist for your devices, never needed to set any of them up.

4)

discrete codes


if they exist then the answer is yes.



We always recommend you do it yourself, since that way it is setup 100% the way you want, and since you say you can do it, then that is definitely the best way to go. As to who and how much if you do get someone, I have no idea.

Personaly, I would buy a LCD base remote. Due to the fact, like Anthony said, you can put panels on the screen. That would say something the effect.... "would you like to watch tv?" Then the person who is operating the remote would click on "yes" Then the remote would set up the system to turn on the tv, select correct input. Turn on the receiver, select the correct input. And if you want to get really compucated, then you can have it set to a "perfect" volume level. (gear may slow the process though)


However, to do all that, it's a plus that you would be able to program the remote to do that. But there are great ccf files on this site that you can download and look at. The only thing that you might have to do, is to change the ir codes to YOUR codes.


Besides, right now the best way, is to download the edit programs, and some of it's ccf files. So that you can play with them, and see how they work.

Rob

Great guys, thanks so much. Could you give me a brief explanation of how CCF files work? Is the idea that I could just download a CCF file that I like that has all the pages I would need for the tuner, dvd, vcr, cable box, etc. and then relink each button with the codes for my components? How do macros work within CCF files? Also, in general do you only need discrete codes for things such as on/off where there is only one button doing two functions? What other scenarios would you use discrete codes for? Thanks again. You guys should start to charge for this great advice!!!

depends on the setup, but inputs are often asked about, also some people have asked for aspect ratio. simply put if you have a discrete code for anything in a macro it is good, if it is not in a macro then there is no problem


The CCF basically tells the remote how to look and how to function. CCF files are used by all Pronto, Pronto Pro, Marantz RC 5000, 5000i, 5200, 9200, Yamaha RAV2000 and Onkyo Chad


you would create one CCF for all the buttons and all devices that your Pronto will control.


usually (at least that is the recommended way by most of us) you would learn the command on some buttons (i.e. on a button marked 1 you would learn the code for 1, on a button marked 2.....) for the macro button you just alias those buttons (you press alias in the button properties and then pick the button on the tree) if you have more then one command then it is a macro.

Video and audio inputs, certain special functions (like predetermined volume levels), surround modes, and any other functions that might help keep the equipment in a "known" state (Like HD or standard definition).


We will!! LOL

JJP

Well, I think I am sold on the Pronto! It actually looks like it could be a fun project. Now I need to decide which Philips / Marantz to get. I am using mostly Marantz gear (SR8000 tuner and VC5000 DVD changer) as well as a NEC 42MP2 so should I go with the Marantz, or does it not matter? Also, since the components are last year models would it be a mistake to go for the older RC 5000 or the older Pronto instead of the RC 5200 or new Pronto? It is much less expensive and has basically the same functionallity, right? Are Marantz and NEC discrete codes easy to come by? From what I am understanding, I only need discrete codes for operations that will be part of a Macro. Thanks again!

First, it doesn't matter which remote you get for learning. Learning unviseral remote can learn lots of remotes. Not all of course, specaily rf. No learning remote can learn rf. But anyways, any remote will work for you.

Some people say that the Marantz line of remotes are better, others Pronto. For me it's a Pronto. Probably because I've had two of them, for at least 3 years.
However, the Marantz has more user, useable screen, than the pronto. As far as phisical size, I don't know. The Pronto has a clock, with timed macros. So that if you want your system to turn off at a certain time, or on, it can be done with out anyone home. The marantz does not have a clock at all, but it can have macros, that you need to be at home to use.
With Marantz, you can have more than one jump in a macro. Pronto's only one. But with the new tsu-3000, I am not sure.
Pronto's tsU-2000, 3000 and 6000 all have a built in data base of ir codes. All of the Marantz line of remotes, and the ts-1000 does not.

Personaly, I would wait for the new tsu-3000 to come out. Because it's better than the current tsu-2000, with more hard buttons and stuff. And it's supposed to cost the same as the current tsu-2000.

But your best bet, is to look at the reviews on this site. Both user and non-user reviews. I personaly would be much happier going to a store and play with them.

Rob

Like Rob said, it should not make a difference if you go with Marantz or Philips. The question is what features do you want need?

read

[Link: remotecentral.com]
[Link: remotecentral.com]
[Link: remotecentral.com]
[Link: remotecentral.com]

Well first off my recommendation from being in this industry for 10 years is do the RC5200. You spent some bucks on your system now finish it by automating properly. You will have half the pages of an RC5000 or Pronto (due to hard curser keys) and your operation will be twice as fast using the remote. In my opinion one of the main benefits of a touch screen is the programmer can include instructions or descriptions on the screen. For example your first page will say some thing like “Theater System Power” followed by to buttons “On” or “Off”. When you select “On” not only does it turn on your whole system but it will take you to the next screen and ask you “What do you want to watch”. This page will include all your sources such as DVD, VHS or DSS. You always have a home page to go back to if you get lost, and of coarse one button to turn of entire system when your done. This format can “walk” anyone through your system even if they have never used it before. MX-500 or RC2000 like remotes, you have to have a basic understanding of what buttons do what. In other words you have to be trained and so does everyone in you family it’s not intuitive. And finally I recommend you seek out an A/V custom professional in your area and have him program it the correct way. A touch screen programmed by some one outside the industry doesn’t pay off you need to have an understanding of A/V gear and how they work. Most consumers don’t know enough to properly do this, but you can try.

Also be aware that Marantz and NEC do not have discrete IR codes for their inputs they are toggles. In other words when select a source from your remote you may not get what you wanted, then once it is out of since from what you wanted it will stay that way until you bring out the original remote and start toggling inputs. You need to use the RS232 connection on the back of the Plasma to access each input separately. There is a company called Celadon that makes an IR device that will control the plasma through the RS232 port. You reach them at http://www.celadon.com Or you can email me if they wont sell you one directly.

Albert Angulo
[email protected]

Agreed.


True, but if you change equipment, you'll most likely have to go back to the original programmer to update the file. Equipment can be hooked up several different ways to get a desired result. Ideally, the person who installed and connected the equipment would most likely be the best person to program the remote, as they know what they hooked up and how. Though that's not always the case.



Really? We do Marantz on a daily basis, and discrete codes are one of the main reasons we use their equipment. Next to Yamaha, Marantz has probably the next best offering of discrete codes.


And if you check the files section of this site, there are several files for NEC plasma's that DO have discrete codes.

JJP

Hi,

I have the RC5200 and I'm VERY VERY happy with it.

I also have the NEC 42MP2. I'm afraid the discrete NEC signals only work on later models (42MP3 and after).

Look under my name in the files section. The NEC codes are there...

If you need an RC5200 starting design, my CCF should also work well for you.

Thanks for all the advice. I agree that the 5200 will provide the most functionality. In terms of hiring a proffessional, my thoughts are that if I was able to design the system I should be able to teach myself the basics of remote programming. I agree it may take awhile, but once I am finished with a professional I will have dropped around $1000. I think I would rather do it myself and learn something in the process so that I can make any future adjustments.

Also, I did approach a professional and he said that if I wanted to do it, I would need to replace my current receiver (Marantz SR8000) with a receiver with component inputs and outputs (he recommended a Yamaha). Is that really neccessary? By the time I was through, he had quoted me $3000 for the whole thing! As it is the system works extremely well and is just in need of a brain! This experience turned me off to using a proffesional.

Also, in terms of the discrete codes, it is unfortunate that the NEC 42MP2 is unable to recognize them. Is there anyway around that? I guess that means that I will not be able to control the screen as much as I would like, but I can still use discretes for the other components involved. Thanks again!

Also, in terms of the discrete codes, it is unfortunate that the NEC 42MP2 is unable to recognize them. Is there anyway around that?

You need to use the RS232 connection on the back of the Plasma to access each input separately. There is a company called Celadon that makes an IR device that will control the plasma through the RS232 port.

JJP

I am not so concerned with using different inputs. I am more concerned with the ability to switch aspect ratios without having to toggle through. (ie. instead of toggling from wide to normal to full to zoom to stadium, having the ability to have a command to go directly to any of the formats) Thanks! What does the Cladon product do for me?