Does mvp understand IR codes other than RC5?

[David G]

All right I will probably find the answer on my own later on today if nobody answers this, but here's the deal.

I' m trying to put together a Pronto config to replace the hauppauge remote that came with the media extender (that I hate, hate, hate - the remote, not the extender ).

It didn't occur to me that I could simply get the pronto to learn from the hauppauge remote for most of the functions... no, I like to do things the hard way and simply assigned manually created RC5 codes to my pronto buttons, and went to setup->link to assign these buttons to SageTV commands. I didn't know when I did this that the mvp is actually using RC5 codes, so in hindsight it probably wasn't a good idea... I've run into some collision issues it seems, and some codes I've created the mvp doesn't seem to be able to capture at all! Weird. Anyhow, I was wondering if creating other types of codes (say RC6) will help me here. Can the mvp capture those?

Yes, I know I could simply have the Pronto learn the hauppauge buttons... but having two sets of codes for two remotes just seems, hmm, cleaner and more elegant. I'm anal about that kind of stuff - bite me .

[Opus4]

I _think_ the MVP only recognizes RC5, but the newer IR receiver on the PVR-150 can decode RC6, so I suppose there is a possibility the MVP IR receiver was changed too.

Are your RC5 codes correct? I just tried my remote with my MVP & all of the non-Hauppuage remote RC5 codes I tried worked. Maybe it can't recognize RC5 command codes above 63, though. (system codes 0-31 & command codes 0-63 only, perhaps?)

- Andy

[David G]

Good hunch about the 0-63 range. I think the ones it didn't recognize were in the upper range (I used system code 1 and command codes 1-xx, where xx is sequential 1 to,hmmm 90 or so.) Maybe I can just use a couple of different system codes.

Thanks for the prompt reply! You guys rock

[Opus4]

It would be useful to know for sure if the command codes above 63 were the ones that didn't work.

- Andy

[David G]

I'll make sure to post my trial results here tonight.

[David G]

Sorry I'm late with this, I ran into a weird issue last night unrelated to the IR stuff. Basically the media extender wouldn't work, just showed a black screen after what seemed like a normal boot sequence. I updated to 4.1.12 and it's fine now.

Anyhow, I tried 1-63; works. 1-64; doesn't work. 31-63; works. 31-64; doesn't work.You were right . Although I haven't tried them all, it's pretty safe to say that nothing above 63 works, since a few of the codes I tried were in that range and didn't work.

Also tried the other RC5&6 protocols, at least the ones that ProntoEdit can generate, and the MVP cannot capture any of them. (Those would be RC5x, RC6 mode 0, RC6 mode 6A).

I'll just use a another system number or two to complete the assignment of commands.

Thank for your help :-) I hope to be finished with the pcf soon, I'll probably post it here and/or at remotecentral when it's done.

[Opus4]

Oops -- I forgot to post again too. I found that I still had a couple command codes > 63 on my remote from when I dealt w/Hauppauge about the same issue in their IR software, and also saw that the higher codes weren't recognized by the MVP media extender. If it gets changed to recognize those codes in the future, I'm sure it will be put in the release notes (or I'll _try_ to remember to post an update here).

- Andy

[johnnyspo]

Hello all.

You guys mentioned the "Pronto" remote. I am looking for an RC5/RC6 capable universal remote control (to get rid of my Hauppauge remote). These seem pretty expensive ($800). Are there any "reasonably" priced remotes ($100-$200)?

I have searched for universals that explicitly state they support RC5/RC6, but I have not had much luck. Seems like Philips is the only manufacturer.

Thanks for the help.

[David G]

I'm certain that most universal remotes support RC5, even if they don't state so explicitely. RC5 is a pretty common proprocol, so a universal remote would be useless without it.

As for $800, I certainly didn't pay nearly as much for my owb Pronto, but mine is a 3000 model (B&W). It's been replaced with the 3500, which supposedly offers better contrast. I'm pretty sure it's not $800 - froogle it. The color models are certainly more expensive though, and for a completely programmable LCD based remote (which is the only way to go IMVHO), be prepared to shell out a handful of $100's.

[gplasky]

My wife uses the Logitech/Harmony 520 with the MVP in the bedroom. $99 and does it all. Also controls the TV/monitor,stereo and DVD/VCR combo at the same time.

Gerry

[David G]

I didn't mean to say that hard button remotes are worthless of course

It's all a matter of personal preference - I've never found one where I liked the layout, or one that I could find the button "blindly" with my fingers, or least quickly by looking at the remote. The pronto lets me draw big, fat buttons, and organize them in a way that makes sense to ME

[Opus4]

Most universal remotes that can use built-in RC5 commands for preprogrammed devices, many can learn new RC5 codes, and a few programmable ones can't learn new RC5 codes (like my Home Theater MX-700) because it uses a toggle bit. The cheapest way to go is to get a JP1 remote & program just about any code into it, though it has a bit of a learning curve. But, like other people have said, there are other affordable options.

- Andy

[johnnyspo]

Thanks for the advice. There were remotes that I thought were kindof cool, but was wary because they didn't explicitely say RC5/RC6. I'll pickup one that I like and if it doesn't work I can always take it back!

--John