I see this term used a lot and would like to know what these codes are?

Thanks.

Discrete means that the code has only one function.

A "toggle" command such as "Power" will turn the component on if it was off and off if it was on.

A "Discrete" On command is much preferred in a macro, since it will only turn the component on. Placing a toggle "Power" command in a macro is usually an invitation to disaster, since the user may do something like this:


A simple system: TV, VCR and Receiver

Write a macro with three power commands to turn on system.

Customer goes to Blockbuster and rents tape

Customer puts tape in VCR

Customer presses turn on Macro.

By putting in the tape, the VCR was turned on.
When macro executed, TV and Receiver turned on, but VCR turned off!

Customer has to be detective, hunting down fugitive component!

End result
Confusion, Frustration, Possible Violence to Installer/programmer.

Note that although I said customer, you could translate as spouse.

Discrete codes are also useful for home theater systems where the television's input must be switched when viewing sources other than broadcast tv. Most remote controls for tv's select inputs via a "scrolling" or "toggling" Input command. Each time you press the "Input" button the television cycles to a new input. The user is supposed to watch the screen and stop scrolling when he/she reaches the correct input.

Since a pre-programmed macro will not "watch the screen and stop scrolling", it is much better to have discrete commands for each input.

This is from another Newbie:

I've got my Pronto up & running & understand the value of discrete codes, but how do I find & enter the discrete codes into ProntoEdit? Or read the hex codes for the components I have learned. Has any written a reference book for the Pronto?

Taken from the Pronto FAQ:

Discrete Codes

B3-01   What are discrete codes?

B3-02   How do I find or create them?

B3-03   How can I use them?

Rob.