Hi,

My first post.....I had to register just to say that this site is absolutely awesome.

I was googling for solutions to my current macro (system) challenge and found a reference here on cleaning the circuit board under the rubber layer of a RM3000 or RM3100 when the keys were unresponsive.

I have two Sony RMs...a 3100 in the living room and a 3000 in the bedroom. After some time, these tools got a pass for WAF (wife-acceptance-factor). The bedroom device quit responding to channel up/down and volume up/down commands. And, the WAF noise was very loud.

After reading what others have done by taking the remote apart and cleaning the circuit board contacts with alcohol, I did it.

And... voila...problem solved remote works like new and the WAF meter went right back up to happiness!!

Ya'll are great.

Now...here's my challenge with my 3100.

I upgraded the TV to a Sony Bravia KDL52Z5100 and Receiver to a Sony DA-STR5300ES. My other devices are a PS3 (sacds, blu ray, dvds, etc.). and an XBOX running XBMC (xbox media center- the greatest multi-media software around!!) software that is hooked to a NAS and serves as a digital music server for FLAC audio files. The PS3 and receiver connect to the receiver via HDMI, Xbox via component and toslink glass optical, and the receiver outputs HDMI to the TV.

I got the 3100 to do everything I need EXCEPT

Turning off the TV, receiver and STB.

I reprogrammed "System 1" to turn on things...and the STB goes first, Then the TV...and as the TV is "linked" to the receiver via HDMI link...it starts the receiver...the "handshake" takes a second or two, but...turning things on works well.

However, reversing the process...on System 3...not so much....I can get the TV to turn off with STB, sometimes, and sometimes the Receiver, but not both.

I'm thinkin' there's some sort of timing issue with the HDMI handshakes...or??

What say ye expert controllers?

Thanks for your help.

Clearsonq

That's strange - I would imagine turning things ON would be the issue more than turning them off. Two questions:

* Which device are you referring to as the "STB". You mention a TV, a receiver, an XBox and a PS3 and I don't really consider any of them an STB...

* How are you turning them off. Sending actual power down commands, or relying on HDMI CEC?

Daniel,

Thank you for the response.

The STB is a Scientific Atlanta 8300HD - high def cable box with DVR.

hmmmnn.....CEC? Now...you got me? What is that...the link that one can do with HDMI devices?

Here's my update though...I talked to my son the computer engineer who told me I should get a Harmony remote...with the Activity approach and that all would then be good.

Well...I looked around for something similar to the RM3100, which has high WAF, she likes it.

The Harmony 1000 appeared to fit the bill. I found a recertified one on NewEgg.com for $200 and my son said get that one you'll like it.

So...I got one ..and set it up...or tried to.

Ran into trouble with my second Sony AV receiver which has to be set to AV2...or all hell breaks loose with the remote's signals making both of the receivers dance.

So...I then tried to get the RM3100 to work again and tried this..

1. Reset System 1 and System 3...

2. Linked the TV and Main AV AMP via HDMI for on/off.

3. Used the discrete OFF command for the TV I found on the Harmony after it looked up all the codes.

4. Turned the STB on...and left it on.

5. Redid System 1 and System 3 macros to Turn On and Turn Off the TV respectively, which turns the Main AMP on and off.

Voila!!

My wife can press 1 button to turn the system on and watch TV....and another to turn the system off.

So...I wonder how I could have got the discrete "off code" for the TV without downloading the codes with the device codes from Harmony...hmmmnn..?

Clearsong

p.s. - I called the Harmony Tech Center amidst my troubles...and was told that the "recertified" Harmony 1000 sold by NewEgg...was out of warranty...and...had no free support...any support is charged at $29 per "incident"....so, caveat emptor!! I think it's going back.

Now, my memory might be failing me, but I'm pretty sure the AV3100 *does* have discrete codes for Sony components at least. But one of the benefits of a computer-connected remote like the Harmony is that you get access to a wide range of discrete input and power codes.

P.S. - CEC - the data channel on HDMI where commands are sent between devices (such as when a TV turns a receiver on with only the HDMI cable connected).