I just bought an open box special to get HD for the first time. The receiver is a Panasonic TUHDS20. I have a Mitsu 55809 TV, Panasonic RP56 DVD, and a Toshiba VCR. The surround sound processor and speakers are next on my list. Here is my problem:

I bought the TUHDS20 without the remote. So, I do not have a remote to teach a learner remote the codes. How would you guys approach getting a universal remote to work in this situation?

I know I can get the remote from panny for like $50. However, I was thinking now might be the time to just get a remote that I can eventually program and use for everything.

It appears that the RS 15-2103, 2104, OFA 8811, 8910 get good reviews here. Will these work for me? I have done a search and looked around for the codes for a TUHDS20 to no avail. However, I'm a newbie so I might have missed something.

Should I just spring for the Panny remote?

Thanks for any input.

James.

Those are all good choices, but I would guess that the URC-8811 would best suit your needs as it's cheap and powerful. The reason that you should ONLY consider OFA and RS remotes is that these support advanced codes, which gives you the ability to program buttons that are not part of the built-in code.

However, keep an eye on the Panny inputs thread over in the OFA forum because it appears that some of the input select codes come from device codes not built into the remote, which means you'll need an upgrade (or JP1) to get them.

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

James,
The input codes that Rob spoke of concern TV inputs, not receiver inputs :(. I would imagine that at present, you're stuck with walking up to your receiver and doing manual button pushes to control the unit. Realistically, I think 50.00 for an original remote from panny or one of their distributors is likely to be understated.
It's very possible that any of the remotes you mentioned would likely allow you some basic functioning, odds wise, 85% or better. any other remote choices would be much less. I do agree with rob's suggestion of the 8811, it's a lot of remote for the price.
Rob also mentioned advance codes. advance codes do allow you to add and assign some functions where you want them. However, Many of the Panny newer devices use what are called "combo" codes. Basically two older codes rolled into one. The drawback is combo codes many times won't accept using advance codes. Thus, without JP-1, you wouldn't be able to perhaps program any missing functions. With JP-1, you lose that restriction.
let's assume you want just one remote to run all your components. The toshiba vcr will probably be the easiest to get working nicely. The panny dvd has a good chance of requiring a combo code.
Assuming you were willing to spring up to 50.00 for just the panny receiver remote; Don't you think for roughly 30 for the 8811, another 10 for a JP-1 cable kit, free software, you could control all that you have now, set up the way you want. Program in powerful extenders, macros, etc., etc., etc. and useable with virtually ANYTHING you'd buy in the future, like that surround sound processor on your wish list you'd be better off? And still got 10 bucks left to put towards it. You could get any and all the help you would need from the JP-1 group, maybe even a one-on-one "tutor" to guide you along the way.
Jim

Jim, thats a satellite receiver, that James is referring to. Someone had put up for auction, this receivers remote yesterday.But withdrew it today, sorry.

Edmund,

That's ok; the panny input thread still wouldn't do james much good. Maybe James did a off-ebay deal and got the remote.

Jim

No that was not me getting the remote.

OK, So I decide I want to build the JP1 device. Now I check to see if the codes are available and there are two main functions that I wish to immediately address if this is going to be successful for me.

1. I need the "Action" button to work.
2. I need the "Aspect Ratio" button to work.

Both do not currently work with my Mitsu remote.

So, I buy probably a OFA 8811 (or similar). I still don't have the coes, or do I? A guy read one of my posts somewhere and has sent me a .CCF file with the codes he has programmed into his Pronto for his Panny TUHDS20 HD box. This is the only person I have found so far who has a complete set of working codes even though it is for a different remote. I unzipped the file and yet could not open it. What type of program will show me this .ccf file? Will I be able to translate the .ccf file into something I can send to the OFA8811 with a JP1? Is this possible? I was even hoping to view the .ccf file and perhaps post the contents of it for review but I am stuck.

Hooking up a JP1 sounds very interesting to me and I have built some attenuators for my Mitsu so I don't think building one would be a problem. I'm just trying to make sure that I can do what I want without the original remote. Please help this newbie make a decision if you can.

James.

This message was edited by JamesM007 on 10/01/02 11:13.17.

see the new thread you opened that looks like a copy and paste of this one.
Jim

Here's the link for those trying to keep track....
[Link: remotecentral.com]

Rob