Has anyone on this forum tried approaching any of the manufacturers about getting discrete IR codes for their equipment? I would think that the manufacturers (in the interest of customer satisfaction) might be persuaded to release their discrete codes if a large enough group of users approached them collectively (perhaps via this forum, Daniel?).

I went through Panasonic's customer service e-mail address off of their consumer electronics page. It's been about a week now. I haven't received a reply yet... I'll let you know if I do.

Please let me know how you make out. I have a Panasonic 27" TV (don't have the model # with me) that I have been unable to find the discrete power codes for. I tried the one that I found here in the files section, but it did not work.

In the meantime, I am planning on plugging the TV into an X-10 Appliance Module, and using the discrete on/off codes for the module to control the TV power. I am also going to do the same for an older CD player that I have.

Good luck.

So far no good. I got a reply from Panasonic stating that "All codes are determined by the company who manufactures the remote control. Please contact Philips to obtain the requested information."

So, obviously I had to respond with something a little bit more sarcastic...

I'll let you know...

{Laughing} They're obviously missing the point... you're not looking for pre-programmed remote code numbers, you're looking for Panasonic's actual device/command number structure. Customer service probably won't understand this no matter how you explain it.

I made an inquiry to JVC about a week ago. Have not heard anything back. Will let you know if they are helpful.

The main problem with this seems to be getting hold of the relevant people. There must be people at the manufacturers who know or have access to this information, but how do you find out who they are when customer services/support are as clueless as they usually are?? (I recently had a similar problem with Sony)

Hmm, this is a problem everywhere. I've tried four times to get ahold of the vice president of marketing at Sony -- or at least get someone else to contact. All four times I spoke to a real person who took a message, yet all four times my calls have gone unanswered. My last hope is CES.

I'll speak to other manufacturers while I'm there as well.

Daniel, I'd be interested to know how you get on..

I sent a request to Sony inquiring about discrete codes for my components. I just received the following:

"Dear Sony Customer:

Thank you for contacting Sony.

Please contact our Customer Information Services Center and speak with a
representative for assistance.

The information you are requesting is not a listed specification and
they may need to create a technical memorandum and request this
information for you. It is quite possible that this information is
unattainable.

You may reach the Direct Response Center at the following:

SONY ELECTRONICS INC.
Customer Information Services Center
1-800-222-7669
1-941-561-7669

Eastern Standard Time
Monday--Friday 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Sincerely,

Sony Internet Department
CVD4"

I'll let you know how it goes.

Still waiting to hear back from JVC. Either they are backed up due to the holidays, or deleted my email.

I saw that one of you was trying to contact the VP of Marketing.. I would guess that the marketing folks would be pretty clueless too (I am in Marketing). Try the Chief Technology Officer.. His staff would be much more willing and able to fulfill our desire for descrete codes..

Yeah - I just finished some interesting conversation with them myself.
What it comes down to is:

"What you are attempting is to obtain our engineering and design
information to modify your product."

"Regretfully, IR codes are an engineering specification, which is not
releasable by Sony Electroics Inc."

But for the fun of it I included the whole email thread here.

Sony - get away from your proprietary thinking - the new world is more open and not everybody is your competitor. At the end it is ONLY an IR code of a remote control everyone can copy anyway and not an engineering secret !!!

Peter
----- Original Message -----
From: "Custserv" <[email protected]>
To: "Peter Geier" <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, December 30, 1999 6:41 AM
Subject: Re: SDP-EP9ES : Other Not Listed (KMM255702C0KM)


Dear Sony Customer:

Your original inquiry has been responded to with a full and complete
answer.
Therefore, since no additional information is required, there will be no
further responses to any inquires regarding this issue.
Thank you again for the opportunity to be of assistance.

CAS
CM77

Original message follows:
-------------------------

I still expect this to be forwarded to your Product Manager and expect an
answer from them if there is no remote control out which will switch
directly to the inputs instead of <> only.

THanks in advance.

Peter

----- Original Message -----
From: "Custserv" <[email protected]>

Dear Sony Customer:

We apologize that you are not completely satisfied with my response to
your inquiry. As annoying as it may appear, it is the legal reply to your request.
We appreciate the time you have taken to share your comments with us.

Sincerely,

CAS
CM77

Original message follows:
-------------------------

I am sorry but your statement is completely annoying B.S. - I am only a
user, working in the computer industry who did love Sony products until
your answer. But I realize that sony is not the right company, will sell the
unusable product and buy something else (and never again sony).

:-(

----- Original Message -----
From: "Custserv" <[email protected]>
To: "Peter Geier" <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 28, 1999 06:20
Subject: Re: SDP-EP9ES : Other Not Listed (KMM248643C0KM)


Dear Sony Customer:

I do regret that Sony will never, under any circumstance, release the
information you want.

What you are attempting is to obtain our engineering and design
information to modify your product.

Again, we do regret we are unable to assist you further in this matter.

Sincerely,

CAS
CM77

Original message follows:
-------------------------

Then I would like to get the discrete codes to turn the device into a
controlled state: Laserdisc RF - digital 1, 2, 3, 4, bypass.

I am willing to sign any NDA agreement for that (to not disclose it to
anyone). It is majorly sad that such a primitive function (but
elemenary) shall not be available in such a high-end device (I paid over $700 JUST
FOR AN AC-3 DECODER !!!!!!!!!!!!).

Alternatively please tell me the trick how to set the unit into a
DEFINED state for the input.

If you can not answer it please pass it on to the product manager.

Again the problem is: How to automatically with an intelligent remote
control to switch the unit to e.g. DVD with the push of ONE button on
the remote ?

Peter Geier

----- Original Message -----
Dear Sony Customer:

None of our remote controls are designed to operate a digital coder box.

Thank you again for your inquiry.

CAS
CM77

Original message follows:
-------------------------

ok. which SONY remote controls will be able to switch the unit ON and
OFF (no toggle) ?

Peter Geier


----- Original Message -----
From: "Custserv" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, December 23, 1999 11:36
Subject: Re: SDP-EP9ES : Other Not Listed (KMM234714C0KM)


> Dear Sony Customer:
>
> Thank you for contacting Sony.
>
> Regretfully, IR codes are an engineering specification, which is not
> releasable by Sony Electroics Inc.
>
> Thank you for your interest in Sony products.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Sony Internet Department
> CM77
>
>
>
> Original message follows:
> -------------------------
>
> Name: Peter Geier
> Email: [email protected]
> Mailing Address: 1205 Brittainy Dr, Carrollton, TX, 75006
> Product Category 1: Other Not Listed
> Product Category 2:
> Model Name: SDP-EP9ES
> MESSAGE:
> I urgently need the discrete IR codes for the unit. At least how to
> select the INPUTs directly.
> I have a fully programmable remote control and the only thing which can
> not be automated is this unit as I can not switch directly to an input
>

>
> PLEASE HELP ...
>
> Peter Geier
> SITE FEEDBACK:
> Did you find what you were looking for? N
>
>
>

Well hey... if the manufacturers aren't willing to put out... we can do a couple of things:

First, let's form not only a list of devices that have known discrete codes as well as devices that are known to NOT have discrete codes... But also a list of companies that refuse to provide the information or change their future products to include discrete codes. We will boycott these companies.

Second, We can reverse-engineer these products to see what IR codes work and publish the codes. This (as per my understanding) is not illegal. Now, reverse-engineering a product to copy it for profit is, but reverse-engineering something to see how it works and then publishing information on how to interface another device with it with no profit gain is not. I think what some of us programmers need to work on is a code scanner. Something that runs through every concieveable code (using an IR transmitter attached to the computer), and making note of which codes do what. Sure, it's a big task, but maybe it should be done... at least for the more popular/more recent equipment. Also, a "use at your own risk", since some codes can put a unit into a problem state.

Good idea, Scott. And the list should include specific devices and their limitations (which may render them useless for any universal remote control).
I my case I may get the impression that they may actually not even have a code for what I need - or at least no remote control which does it.

Peter