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Marantz RC5400 help
This thread has 12 replies. Displaying all posts.
Post 1 made on Saturday April 21, 2007 at 12:23
les1466
Lurking Member
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April 2007
8
Can anyone help me as I have looked through lots of posts and cant seem to find anyone that has asked this question.

I have just bought a Marantz RC5400 remote thinking it would be the all singing, all dancing remote to control all of my home cinema, tv, music etc etc needs.
Now is it me or is this remote just not all of that, was I expecting too much, or did I just buy the wrong thing?

Firstly, I have used cheeper universal remotes that get codes for other manufacturers remotes and work spot on, or near as damn. Simply punch in a code, or get one online and your away. Does the Marantz do this?
Yes it has fantastic learning capabilities but the only way I can see that it works is that you have to point your original remote at the unit and go through every single button for it to learn. Now you might be thinking, "thats amazing and what its supposed to do, whats my problem"?
Well my problem is... I have about 20 remotes to go through, most with ridiculous ammounts of buttons on and it gets ridiculously teadious. The other thing is. What if I dont have an original remote, can I not set the device up on it? I can with a cheap £2 remote, but not one that costs £400????

Am I missing something? I have read the instruction manual numerous times, cannot find anything about downloading other manufacturers codes or how I can point it at the device im trying to control and it will learn its functions???

At £400 you would think it would be very simple and intuitive to use???

Please tell me there is something very simple that I am not doing to set this thing up before I send it back, or worse, smash it to peices against the wall!!

Help!!!

:)
Post 2 made on Saturday April 21, 2007 at 15:09
Ernie Bornn-Gilman
Yes, That Ernie!
Joined:
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December 2001
30,104
At £400 you would think it would be very simple and intuitive
to use???

Its simplicity and ease of use depend upon how well you understand all of your system's remote control commands, how they interact when you turn the system on and off and change inputs, and how well you program the remote. The £400 price is what it takes to make a remote that is capable of doing this with incredible flexibility and features. Unfortunately, "capable" and "simple" are usually at odds with one another, as are "capable" and "cheap."


Yes, the codes have to be learned, but you don't have to do it all.

The Pronto NG files section of this site has many many files that someone has already learned and uploaded to share. These usually are not just commands, but also buttons, that is to say artwork, that these people have either created, borrowed, or just used from the gallery in the program.

The Pronto NG files can be used in a Marantz, too.

Some components might not be in the Pronto NG section, but might be in the Original Pronto section. If this is the case, you will need to download the original Pronto software and learn how to open the files so you can copy and paste those learned commands into your Marantz file.

There can be a lot to it, but you will probably make a lot of progress just by looking for your model numbers, or similar model numbers, in the Pronto NG Files section, and taking it from there.

Also, with those cheaper remotes that were so easy to program, wasn't there always some critical button missing? I remember the first one I used had no TV Input button; later ones had no MENU button; something was always incomplete.

And if you had a TV/VCR combo, you could use a VCR code to make the remote work perfectly, except VCRs don't have volume commands, so you were out of luck there....
A good answer is easier with a clear question giving the make and model of everything.
"The biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place." -- G. “Bernie” Shaw
Post 3 made on Saturday April 21, 2007 at 23:49
mtgriff
Long Time Member
Joined:
Posts:
July 2002
289
Now you might be thinking, "thats amazing and what its supposed to do, whats my | problem"?

I was so excited when I picked out my remote. I knew that it was like a blank canvas and I could be as creative as I wanted to be. When I got the remote I was overwhelmed. It took me a little time to figure out where to start. Once I got the hang of it I had a lot of fun. It took me about a month to get the remote just the way I wanted it. I think my wife would have killed me if I had taken any longer.

Hang in there. Tedious or not, you'll be happy once you're done.
Harmony One
OP | Post 4 made on Sunday April 22, 2007 at 07:10
les1466
Lurking Member
Joined:
Posts:
April 2007
8
On April 21, 2007 at 15:09, Ernie Bornn-Gilman said...
Its simplicity and ease of use depend upon how well you
understand all of your system's remote control commands,
how they interact when you turn the system on and off
and change inputs, and how well you program the remote.
The £400 price is what it takes to make a remote that
is capable of doing this with incredible flexibility and
features. Unfortunately, "capable" and "simple" are usually
at odds with one another, as are "capable" and "cheap."

Yes, the codes have to be learned, but you don't have
to do it all.

The Pronto NG files section of this site has many many
files that someone has already learned and uploaded to
share. These usually are not just commands, but also
buttons, that is to say artwork, that these people have
either created, borrowed, or just used from the gallery
in the program.

The Pronto NG files can be used in a Marantz, too.

Some components might not be in the Pronto NG section,
but might be in the Original Pronto section. If this
is the case, you will need to download the original Pronto
software and learn how to open the files so you can copy
and paste those learned commands into your Marantz file.

There can be a lot to it, but you will probably make a
lot of progress just by looking for your model numbers,
or similar model numbers, in the Pronto NG Files section,
and taking it from there.

Also, with those cheaper remotes that were so easy to
program, wasn't there always some critical button missing?
I remember the first one I used had no TV Input button;
later ones had no MENU button; something was always incomplete.

And if you had a TV/VCR combo, you could use a VCR code
to make the remote work perfectly, except VCRs don't have
volume commands, so you were out of luck there....

Thanks for the reply.
So I guess the answer to my query is, "NO", there is no simple way of getting codes in from other manufactures remotes unless someone has already made them and put them on as Pronto NG files.

I'm sorry but I just think that is ridiculous after paying stupid amounts of money for a high end remote!!
Dont get me wrong, I aint calling you guy's that seem to like spending time programming these things, I aint. I just thought spending that much would make life simpler, not me having to go and get a masters degree in physics to make it work!

Yes you are right in what you are saying about the cheap remotes, there was always something missing. But thats exactly what I thought the Marantz would do, allow me to fill in the gaps - so to speak.
This is how I thought it would work... And would of been extremely happy if it did so. And to be honest, I think a lot more people would spend that ammount if they did.
I thought I could take it out of the box, connect it up, look up a manufacturers model of component, press a couple of buttons and it works. If there was any discrepancies with the odd button I could then make the Marantz learn it.
I then thought I could make it learn not so familiar, or non cinema, sound or tv components remotes such as - Remote window blinds, remote projection screen, light dimmers etc. That to me would make the £400 price tag worth it.
And yes, it probably can do all that, but not being able to download codes from big name manuafacturers such as Sony, Pioneer, technics or any manufacturers of hifi components is stupid and the ammount of time it takes is ridiculous!
Also, what if I have lost my original remote, how do I get it to learn functions from the actual component?
I'm sorry I dont have time for that. I want to come in after a hard days work, be able to sit down, push a couple of buttons and I'm away. Not spend a couple of months pressing 1000's of buttons and learning a learning romote, trying to work out what 'HEX' is, nevermind programming it into a piece of plastic!
Which takes me onto another thing about the Marantz... Does it really look and feel like £400? I was quite surprised when opening it how cheep it actually feels. The pictures on the website make it look like, "Yes that's cool gadjet to have". On feeling it I thought it felt very cheap. The side up and down arrow buttons blue illumination buttons glow out of the sides like some cheep Chinese product and the screen is not all that...

Anyway, a big thumbs down to me as I dont want to waste more time on a product that I dont feel worthy of time wasting on.

Does anyone know of a remote that will do the things I have mentioned above?
I dont mind if, on screen, it looks the coolest thing ever!! I just want a remote that I can download or program in the codes of any manufacturers remotes and learn the odd function that doesnt work. Also to learn the functions of remote blinds, motorised projector screen, lights and odd 2 button remotes.
Is there one?
Please help.

Can the 'Logitech Harmony 880 Universal Remote' do this, or have I read it wrong again?

Thanks
Les
OP | Post 5 made on Sunday April 22, 2007 at 08:08
les1466
Lurking Member
Joined:
Posts:
April 2007
8
On April 21, 2007 at 23:49, mtgriff said...
I was so excited when I picked out my remote. I knew that
it was like a blank canvas and I could be as creative
as I wanted to be. When I got the remote I was overwhelmed.
It took me a little time to figure out where to start.
Once I got the hang of it I had a lot of fun. It took
me about a month to get the remote just the way I wanted
it. I think my wife would have killed me if I had taken
any longer.

Hang in there. Tedious or not, you'll be happy once you're
done.

Thanks for your reply.

As I have said to my previous reply, I simply dont have time, or moreover, dont want to waste time having to learn to program a box that, at the end of the day, should make my life easier, not harder! Infact 'Much' harder!!
And really dont want want to upset anyone on here by saying this as this sites soul purpose is for remote controls, and what I didnt know excisted, remote control enthusiasts.... But it is a remote control mate!! Not a Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano that does 0-60 in however many seconds, that will turn every head on earth as it goes down the street, or will just completely illuminate you when you drive it!
A remote!! Something that makes relaxing just a little bit easier because you can just press a few buttons and make things work without having to get up a press the buttons on the thing your are trying to work!
Yes I want it to sing and dance, just as you, but I dont want to waste my life away doing it!! I want something that functions, does the things I want it to do and not make me have to think, while hopefully looking cool in the process. Like any functional product of the 21st Century. A mobile phone - yes you can do wonderous things with them these days, but you dont have to learn how to program them, or learn HEX to get the best of them to make a phone call. A washing machine, a functional tool to clean your clothes. Can you imagine if you had to program the washers internal computer to make it wash your colours right? I dont think they would of sold very many, do you? No, you press a few buttons, it does its job and your away!!

Functionality is what I want, simple easy functionality.
Not headache and learning remotes that I have already. I just want to put them all in to one box so I dont have to: Remember which is the right remote control to operate what piece of equipment, or turn the house upside down because I cant find the bloody thing that turns that component on!!

Is your wife happier now you have sorted it all out?
I hope so mate... But doubt it! Or doubt that she very much gave a damn in the first place!
Appologies for that, I didnt mean it insulting... But I guarentee if you would of got a remote, if there is one? as I mentioned in my first reply, she would of been less bothered about you spending all your time staring into that little screen trying to the film to come on... Instead of watching it, of course! :)

Take care

Les
Post 6 made on Sunday April 22, 2007 at 19:52
Peter Dewildt
Loyal Member
Joined:
Posts:
July 2001
6,307
If you want to be able to use an internal database of codes, you bought the wrong remote.

As far as I can tell, the Marantz models do not contain an internal database.

The Philips models (3000/3500/7000/7500 and their European equivalents) definitely contain an internal database and can do what you want.
Peter
Pronto 1000 (retired), Pronto TSU7000, RFX6000 (retired)
Pronto 2xTSU9600, RFX9400
OP | Post 7 made on Monday April 23, 2007 at 14:01
les1466
Lurking Member
Joined:
Posts:
April 2007
8
Thanks mate. I know so many people love the Phillips on here, the only thing I am slightly wearey of is the comparison to the Marantz as I really do think it is over priced & rubbish.
When you say it has a database, do you mean I can log onto the Phillips website, type in the model number of my components or remote and it will then upload it to the Phillips remote... Or is rocket science programming still involved?

Ive been looking at the Logitech Harmony series as they seem to do exactly what I want. But I have read a review on this site that basically slates them rotten!!
Now, have they been slated because they are rubbish or because this site seems be more pushed towards serious remote control programmers?
I cant work it out as I have read many reviews elsewhere that say its the best thing ever???

Also, does anyone know if the Logitech Harmony 880 actually learns functions by point other remotes so it learns their functions? The reason I ask this is it says nothing of this on the Logitech website???

Thanks

Les
Post 8 made on Monday April 23, 2007 at 17:10
Peter Dewildt
Loyal Member
Joined:
Posts:
July 2001
6,307
The codes are in the Pronto firmware. When you set up your configuration using ProntoEdit NG and add an IR Code you have a choice of learning a code or selecting one from the internal database.
Peter
Pronto 1000 (retired), Pronto TSU7000, RFX6000 (retired)
Pronto 2xTSU9600, RFX9400
OP | Post 9 made on Tuesday April 24, 2007 at 04:08
les1466
Lurking Member
Joined:
Posts:
April 2007
8
Now that sounds like what I want... Do you know if the database cover 1000's of makes and models as in the Logitech remotes?

Thanks for your help, really appreciated.

By the way, does anyone want to buy a brand new Marantz RC5400?

Cheers

Les
Post 10 made on Wednesday April 25, 2007 at 03:08
Peter Dewildt
Loyal Member
Joined:
Posts:
July 2001
6,307
Download the editor (ProntoEdit NG for the 3000/3500, ProntoProEdit NG for the 7000/7500) and check it out yourself.
Peter
Pronto 1000 (retired), Pronto TSU7000, RFX6000 (retired)
Pronto 2xTSU9600, RFX9400
Post 11 made on Wednesday April 25, 2007 at 07:20
simoneales
Select Member
Joined:
Posts:
May 2005
1,782
Les,
I have programmed hundreds of the RC5400 remotes and i can tell you this much, you have a powerfull programmable tool in your hand that can definately do everything you want it to do. The problem here is that you want it to program itself. Even if you had a database inside, like the pronto's, you would still have set up your macro's etc and this requires more learning and time than i think you are prepared to put in. I don't use the Harmony remotes but as i understand them, they are the closest thing to what you are after. Have you considered hiring someone who is experienced with the Marantz remotes to program it for you? I program remotes for people all the time, alas i'm in Oz. If you have a large, complicated system and also want to add a bit of automation, i would strongly suggest getting a "pro" to program it.

Simon.

Simon.
I guarantee I'll tell you the truth and I guarantee I'll tell you what you need to know but I can't guarantee that I'll be telling you anything you want to hear.
OP | Post 12 made on Wednesday April 25, 2007 at 11:41
les1466
Lurking Member
Joined:
Posts:
April 2007
8
Thanks for the reply.
I actually understood how to program the unit after a few hours of messing around, my quibble was that for the money it seemed an awefully teadious task having to sit and transfer each individual button from an excisting remote to the Marantz. Surely at that price, in a logical world, wouldnt it of been easier to be able to download specific remotes into it, if there was slight descrepancies, the you can make it learn, add fancy buttons and set up all the macros? To me they've just given me the Farrari I was talking about further up as a box and said, "here, build it yourself". I just think its hidious!!
My problem is solved anyway... Well I dont have the perfect remote yet. But I returned it back to the shop and got my money back... Thank god!!

I do think the Harmony will do what I want but am a bit dubious because of comments on here? I suppose I could get one and try but its a real pain doing that... Any help would be great.

Another quicky to anyone that might know. My remote controlled lighting, motorised projector screen & projector lift are all RF instead of infared. Is there a remote that will learn RF? By the way the Marntz didnt... 1st thing I checked. It would be nice to able to control them also in my setup.

Thanks

Les
Post 13 made on Friday April 27, 2007 at 20:53
simoneales
Select Member
Joined:
Posts:
May 2005
1,782
No remote will learn RF from other RF remotes. All remotes that have RF output capability are only transmitting an RF converted version of an I/R code to thier own base station where it is converted back to I/R again. Also, they only work on the specific Channel and ID that you specify when you program it. There are other ways to achieve what you want to do, but not without a bit (or a lot) of expense.

Simon.
I guarantee I'll tell you the truth and I guarantee I'll tell you what you need to know but I can't guarantee that I'll be telling you anything you want to hear.


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