I just noticed that there is a new beta firmware version fo the OPPO Digital 981HD (available here ) that covers a number of things. One interesting one is an "alternate remote code." This has already been introduced on the 970HD with this beta firmware . In both cases, the alternate remote code is an option that when turned on allows the player to accept both the OPPO standard commands and basic remote commands used by DVD players from companies like Toshiba, Zenith, Philips, Magnavox, and Marantz. This would let you control a 981HD or 970HD with the 990, 970, or 1070 remote.

I'm going to update my 981HD later this week and probably play with it after I get back from Florida in about a week and a half (unless something unexpected happens and I am able to mess with it before we leave Saturday morning).

Gonk, thanks for the heads up. I picked up a 981HD a few weeks ago and will look into the firmware. I still have several other projects on my list before this one though so it'll be a while before I get to it. I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Rob

I've got a little follow-up on this. I did some experimenting with the non-learning universal remotes floating around the house. Both my Model 990 remote and the remote that came with my Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300HD cable box worked with DVD code 0503 (a Toshiba code, I think). An older cable box remote (the one that came with the Explorer 2200 that we have in the bedroom, which we've had for probably six years at least) worked with codes 081, 082, and 088 with one quirk: the channel +/- commands worked for chapter skip but were reversed (channel+ skipped back while channel- skipped forward). There will still be some remote functions that you'd need the original remote for (changing resolution with the "HDMI" button, for instance), but you could handle all of the normal playback functions just fine.

gonk is correct. I programmed my Oppo IR remote with 0503 and it worked.
Thanks, jbmcine

I said Oppo IR remote in the above. I should have said my Outlaw
990 remote. Sorry - jbmcine

Glad it worked for you, John!