How can I teach the 2100 to differentiate between my 2 Sony VCRs? Everytime I hit a button, both VCRs perform that function.

Thanks

You need to set one of your VCRs to another code -- I believe most can select from 1/2/3 (check your manual for exactly how). After that's done, set your AV2100 to one of the other codes (marked in the book as 8MM and Beta).

I just got done reading the manual for my Sony SLV-N51 VCR and can't find anything about changing the code. My other VCR is a Sony SLV-698, but I can't find the manual right now. Is there some kind of manufacturers code that I need to get into the "service" mode or something?

Nope. It's probably done via a physical switch on the unit, some sort of button combination on the unit, etc. There should be something about VTR1/VCR2/VTR3, but who knows... they may have dropped it.

I don't think Sony supports this anymore. I have a SLV-778HF and it doesn't have the switch. I wanted to be able to record several hours using Sony VCRs and was going to get another before I realized that the remote would operate both simultaneously. Alternatives: get another brand of VCR or just get a TiVo and use my current VCR for viewing pre-recorded tapes.

Sony does in fact still "support" this command mode feature. It used to be available on most all machines; currently only on the SLVM91HF. Your new Sony SLV-N51 supports only Command mode 3. Your old SLV 698 may have this switch on the front for modes 1/2/3. You can be sure by looking on the original remote for the SLV698 and see if their is a three position switch on the top that selects modes 1/2/3 or a button marked command(VTR) mode.

Rob

I suppose they're dropping it because VCRs are no longer quite as important as they used to be, what with Tivo and DVD-R around the corner. But how hard would it have been to include it as a software function (no physical switch)?

Sony seems to have been dropping this feature from all but their high end 1/2" VHS VTRs for quite a few years. They still use them for different formats (8mm, Beta), just no longer available to choose on the 1/2" VHS VTRs

How can I change the Command Mode on my RM-AV2100? I'm controlling a 444ES receiver configured as AV System 2. I can't find a way to make the 2100 control this receiver unless I want to "learn" every function using another remote configured for Command Mode 2.

The AV2100 only comes with one Sony amp code -- the default. You'll need to learn. It's really not hard!