I have a Xantech URC-1 learning remote that has always worked very well with all my devices - DVD, TV, laserdisc, VCR, receiver.

I just purchased a new Philips TV (32PT71B) and the remote for this TV seems to send different signals depending on the "state" of the TV. I can tell this because if I program my learning remote to do POWER while the TV is on, it will turn it off but not on, and if I program it while the TV is off, it will turn it on but not off!

I have similar problems with other buttons, like SOURCE. If I program my learning remote while the TV is on Tuner A, it will ONLY tell it to go to Tuner B, not cycle through all sources like the TV's remote does.

Is this a new type of remote technology? Does anyone have any suggestions for other remotes that might be able to handle this? Should I get a different TV or are they all doing this now?

Thanks for any advice,
Kim Andersen

These are called discrete on/off codes and discrete source codes. The TV recognizes one code as a toggle power code, but has other values it recognizes as an "on" command, and an "off" command. Your remote is sending the discrete codes rather than the toggle code. You are teaching the Xantech code from your Philips remote, right? The Philips remote must change the Power button from sending the discrete "off" code to the discrete "on" code, and back again, rather than just sending the toggle code. If you cover the remote with an IR opaque material, and push the button once, does it take two pushes for the TV to respond next time? Your learning remote only learns the one code, and doesn't toggle between the discrete "on" and discrete "off" codes, so it can only turn it on or off.
Is your Philips remote a universal remote? UEIC is making many remotes for Philips remotes these days, and UEIC remotes are very configurable. Does yours have a "setup" button? If so, you may be able to get it to send a toggle power code. Otherwise you could buy or borrow a universal remote that supports your TV, and teach your Xantach the toggle power code from it. The OneForAll Cinema 7 is good for this.

Actually Kim, your problem is most likely to be caused by the fact that your remote operates on a "toggle bit" code. Do a search on this site and you'll find more information. I believe there is a file in the documents section that discusses these codes in detail, Philips uses them often. There are work arounds, and your remote can use some of them, but you may need to create a macro for each button press.

jcmitch

I've got a Philips too. "jcmitch"'s answer is correct - I experienced the same problems as you when I bought a Marantz RC-1200, but I solved the problem by using 2 commands for each: the correct (fx. "source") and a "dummy"-button. It can be done!

Good luck!

Kaso, would you mind giving a little more detail on how this is done?

Thanks.

The way it works:
for each button Let's say 1 the original remote will send 1A the first time and 1B the next time. When the TV gets 1A it reacts, but when you press 1A again the TV thinks "I am waiting for a B code" and does nothing. So what you need to do is trick it. find a B code that does nothing lets call it XB. 1 becomes 1A XB, 2 = 2A XB ..... this way the TV is always expecting an A code.

You can find an explanation here: [Link: remotecentral.com]

I succeeded in finding a "do-nothing" code/button on my Philips - just try one at a time!

Good luck!

PS. BTW - are you Danish ?