BobZoom, you might want to check out my 981HD review - specifically the 981HD device file, which includes discrete "power on" and "power off" codes for the 981HD. I don't know if the 970 code in the database will include these, but if it doesn't you can grab them from that file. It's great for macros. The "OPPO" button on my main screen runs a macro that sets the 990 to the DVD input, makes sure the TV is on its DVI input, and makes sure the 981HD is powered up. My "shut down" macros all include a command to turn the 981HD off, as well.

Gonk, a couple of weeks ago I quickly printed and read your Oppo 981 review but missed your download. I'm going to read it again and download and examine your macro.

Selecting the HDMI input on my TV requires several steps to select the Video 6 input. One button press access the menu but several button presses are required to select the correct input. The number of presses depends on the input presently being used. The component inputs from the cable box are Video 5. (Unfortunately, the component inputs cannot feed the DVI output.) And then there's the antenna input I'm using until Comcast comes up with more HD cable boxes. I've started playing with a macro to turn on everything, select the HDMI input on the TV, 7.1 audio and the DVI input on the 990, and finally open the tray on the Oppo. I suppose I'll have to insert the disc manually. Hmm...maybe that Sony robot dog could be programmed...

I'm learning.

If you haven't done so already, you might want to poke around at Remote Central to see if discrete inputs codes exist for your TV. My TV's remote lacks discrete input commands, but I found some info online and was able to access "secret" discrete codes using a cheap Radio Shack remote that I had lying around (which I then used to train my MX-500, back before I had the MX-700). It allows me to create macros that include a command for the TV like "Component2" or "DVI" rather than trying to find a way to cope with a list of options from a single button.

BobZoom,

thanks for the info and feedback. I'm still manipulating the four remotes. My system still requires a speaker rebuild, a center and either an Oppo or HD-DVD player purchases. So, I'm thinking the remote purchase should be the last one. For now, I'm going to concentrate on these things. In the mean time, I may also purchase a pair of headphones, so I can enjoy the surround sound experience.

Glad you're enjoying your MX-850 ... it appears to be a nice unit and from what you're saying, a powerful one, as well.

Again, thanks!

John

Gonk, no luck at Remote Central with codes for my TV. However, you've pointed me to a lot of ideas for creating macros and maybe even finding a way to get to Video5 and Video6 directly. Thanks!

Gonk,

I located a download that has discrete codes for the video inputs on my Sony TV at the JP1 web site. Where I lack knowledge is how to transform that download into something usable for the MX-850. Do I need to purchase a remote of some kind that can accept this information and then use that remote to train the MX-850? I'd be willing to do this if it was a cheap out.
I'm feeling so foolish for letting myself get out of the home theater loop for so long. I'm very fortunate to have stumbled into this forum where everyone tries to be helpful.

That's how I found my TV's discrete codes. I describe the process of getting those codes in my TV review . Basically, if you have or want to get a cheap remote from Radio Shack (like perhaps this one - the one I have is no longer listed because it's about six or seven years old) you can program the codes straight on to individual buttons and then learn the commands to your MX-850. If you have a link to the download, I could give it a try with my old remote and toss them in an MX-700 file.

Here's the download link to the JP1 site...

http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/dload.php?action=file&file_id=3835

No doubt a lot of work went into compiling this info. The codes I'm mainly after are the video inputs...Video 5 and Video 6 specifically. I suppose at some point I might want the other HDMI input...Video 7.

Thanks, gonk, for offering your assistance.

Bob

I realized when you posted the link that you were talking about a JP1 config file, and since I don't have a JP1 serial cable I can't do anything with it. I did go looking for ways to import JP1 files into the MX editor somehow, and in the process came across some other information.

First, I found some codes that might work with the technique I used for my Zenith ( advanced codes ) using the codes for TV device 0000 . Then I came across some references to discrete codes for Pronto remotes. Since the MX Editor can read Pronto config files, I hit Remote Central and found this file . You can download that file and then view it using the Universal Browser in MX Editor, at which point you can simply drag commands from the Pronto file onto buttons on your MX-850. Under "Home" there are several listings for "Panel" - the second one includes discrete video input codes, and the third includes several possible discrete power on and off codes. You may need to experiment a bit for Video7 and the discrete on/off commands, but there's only one Video5 and one Video6 listed so those should be straightforward.

Whoa...that was fast.

I had already downloaded that file but didn't realize I could open and use it with the Universal Browser. I was trying to open it with the main program. Thanks for teaching an old dog another new trick. I don't even need a treat.

The result is fantastic. I now have 3 pages of TV buttons. And macro creation has become much easier. I'm lovin' this remote more and more every day.

Thanks again, gonk.

Bob