I am about to purchase a big TV, either a TW56X81 or a Pioneer 532HD. Almost the same price, same picture etc... The deciding factor is which has discrete codes and which does not (sad huh?).

Has anyone validated the discrete codes posted in the Toshiba TW56X81 CCF files (power on/Power off, and Input selection)? I don't want to get into this "get in tuner mode, hit input 3 times etc...". I want discrete!

Confirmation would be appreciated!!!

Thanks
Dave

Nope. No Toshiba discrete codes.

WRONG!! I own the Toshiba TW40X81 and there is a .ccf available with some discreet codes. On/off is accomplished with a timing trick in that .ccf but most of the screen modes can be selected discretely and the others can be accessed extremely quickly by using the discreet codes as a starter. In addition, it is possible (I did this one myself) to use your favorites button (for changing channels) to baseline on TV input and then toggle to the correct input from there.

-Ryan

There's always been a workarounds for video inputs (and power on some models), but I'd be interested to hear what actual discrete codes you have...

Like I just posted... there are discreet codes for screen modes (aka Full, Standard, and Theaterwide). These options are not offered on the Toshiba remote and usually require toggles!

Well, that's good news... but they've got a long way to go!

Ryan,

The original request, by Dave, requested true discrete codes for power on/off and input selection - specifically NOT work-arounds. Even according to your own response, those functions are only available on the Toshiba TV by using tricks and baseline selections followed by repeated commands.

I'd say your resounding, "WRONG!!" was, well, let's say, "INCORRECT!!". I understand where Dave is coming from. He wants to true discrete code technology a criteria for his brand selection. I have a Toshiba TV, and I wish I had done the same thing, before making the purchase.

If you have true discrete codes for a Toshiba TV then we'd all love to see them, but according to all available information to date, even from the equipment manuafacturer itself, there ain't none - not until next year's models, if we're lucky.

Of course, all remote controllable equipment has SOME discrete codes - i.e., the channel number keys. Besides those, the ones that are most important for remote home theater control are power and input.

Please, don't go on about the available work-arounds again (tricks) - we know about those, and they are fun to figure out - but that's not what this is about.

The real definition of discrete codes are codes that control only one function when the norm is a toggle code that simple steps between functions.

Not considered "discrete":
* Keypad number buttons
* Transport controls (play, stop, pause, etc.)
* Volume up/down
* Menu controls (up/down etc.)

Considered "discrete":
* Power on/off
* Inputs
* Sound modes
* Display modes (so those mentioned above would apply)
* Commands that directly access normally buried menu functions.

Can these discrete codes be used with other universal remotes besides the pronto? I am not familiar with .ccf files.

Andy

.CCF files are only for the Pronto & RC5000 remotes. However, some utilities have been developed to convert IR hex codes to the Omniremote (Palm) and TheaterTouch formats.

Andy,
There is one other way, outside of using a Pronto, to create discrete functions, and that's to use a "One For All" or "Radio Shack" universal remote. The only catch is that there has to be a device code pre-loaded in the remote, but if there is, you can then use advanced codes to generate the discrete functions.

There are utilities out there that will convert Pronto files and code into other formats.

Glenn Clapp has written a utility called "IR Tool" that will convert Pronto Hex (that's the stuff in the Discrete Code file on this site) into the actual manufacturers device code and command code. I have tables on my site that can be used to convert these numbers into OFA/RS advanced codes.

John Fine has written a utility called ccf2efc which will convert a .ccf file into text, and if possible will convert the pronto hex into advanced codes (or EFC's as he calls them).

If you decide to get an OFA or RS remote, visit my site for more info on it, or drop me a line with questions and I'll try to help.

Rob.
http://www.hifi-remote.com/

Xantech offers a conversion from ccf file format to Xantech drag 'n drop for their keypads and remotes.

First, addressing the original post... Toshiba RPTVs are notoriously unreliable, while Pioneer sets are
comparatively very reliable. Add to this the far better performance and design of Pioneer products and the incompetence and dishonesty of Toshiba Service centers -- I don't know why anyone would even consider Toshiba over Pioneer. The few dollars saved up front will eventually be spent over lifetime of the set, with interest.

Second, not surprising, Toshiba does not have discrete codes, period. Some workarounds are possible, but nothing straightforward.

As to the question of descrete codes, in general: it is possible to emulate discrete codes for any device whatsoever, by modifying the F/W (internal software) of the remotes. I recently posted here, concerning this idea -- mostly, becasue I wanted to see whether there was enough user interest to start knocking on Marantz's or Philips' doors. Apparently, there wasn't. Too bad, because manufacturers do try to improve products when they feel it will increase sales.

<<As to the question of descrete codes, in general: it is possible to emulate discrete codes for any device whatsoever, by modifying the F/W (internal software) of the remotes. >>

Ron, could you explain what you are referring to here? What kind of remotes are you talking about? How would you go about modifying the firmware, would you use an EEPROM burner of some sort?

Rob.

Just found your other thread, please reply there instead....

[Link: remotecentral.com]