Partial setup on 8910 for Zenith DVB216 Dvd player -- advice

[Philosophydoc]

Purchased a URC 8910, have had no problems setting it up, save for getting directional cursor keys to work on Zenith DVD menu choices.

The facts, ma'm, just the facts...

Device: Zenith DVB 216
Type of device: DVD player, 2001?
JP1 Remote model: URC 8910 (Brand - One for All)
JP1 user? no JP1 cable, but will get if necessary
Still have original remote? Yes
Checked the file section? Yes -- searched entire site for any mention of this brand/model DVD, found nothing. Found no additional Zenith DVD player codes.
Partially working setup code? Yes -- OFA lists 2 codes for Zenith DVD players -- first code (0503) was non-functional. Second code (0591) gets much functionality, save for the following: pressing "menu" pulls up the DVD menu, but the cursor keys (left, right, up, down) don't function. Center "Select" key does work, as do menu, guide, exit, and info keys.

Cursor keys do function with TV (Toshiba CN36V51), but not with home theater (Sony HT-DDW840). No other devices I own make use of the cursor keys.

Advice? My apologies if I have failed to follow proper posting procedure; I can only guarantee that I'll probably mess up again in the future.

[Philosophydoc]

Re-read Robman's sticky note on code search...

NOTE: Most user manuals for learning remotes indicate that you can only learn to a few select buttons. The truth is, you can learn to almost ANY button with the exception of the device buttons, and the power button on a few models.

Decided to disregard OFA owner's manual and squared off remotes on the kitchen table. Successfully "IR Learned" the cursor keys off the old remote.

Robman: 1
OFA manual: 0
Me: Happy.

[The Robman]

Just FYI, the DVD/0591 setup code uses the NECx1 protocol with device codes 45 and 45. In newer remotes there are two additional DVD codes that match that profile, those being 0741 and 0869, so those might be worth a try for anyone reading this that has a newer remote (like the URC-8820).

I had better luck than you at finding Zenith DVD players in the file section, and all but one of the files that I looked at matched this profile.

Here are the EFCs (advanced codes) for the arrow buttons...

170 Up Arrow
037 Down Arrow
233 Left Arrow
231 Right Arrow

I can confirm that these codes are different to the codes programmed to the arrow buttons as part of the DVD/0591 setup code, so give them a try.

[johnsfine]

It sounds like Pilosophydoc has already solved the problem using learning, and may not be looking at this thread for further help.

In the NECx1 protocol, there isn't a fundamental advantage to programming the functions by EFC number vs. programming them by learning. If you got good learns (no obvious problems in using those signals) then reprogramming by EFC number won't work any better.

Learned signals are stored in a different section of eeprom from those programmed by EFC number. Each section is limited in size to less than an advanced user would typically want. If either of those sections fills up, THEN there is an advantage to using the other for the functions where you have such a choice. (If both are full, then better methods of using the eeprom require JP1).

[The Robman]

I agree and understand all that, but I still felt that it was worth putting the codes here in this thread so that the next person, who may not be able to use learning, can use them.

[johnsfine]

but I still felt that it was worth putting the codes here

Usual problem with concise typed communication: I wasn't in any way objecting/disagreeing with your post. I also just wanted to clarify the thread for whoever looked to it for information. I certainly didn't object to the EFC numbers being added to this thread. I would have done that myself if I had the spare moment to look them up before you did. At most I disagree with you by guessing a lower level of comprehension from whoever you're talking to than you guess, so I try to add a little context to something you said.

[Philosophydoc]

Thanks to all, and two final comments:

First, my apologies to OFA -- on p.29 the manual DOES say:

Although dedicated keys (L1~L4) are provided for storing
learned functions, you can also use any key (except keys for
devices and programming) for learning.

Second, Robman notes that there were newer Zenith device codes in the files section...since I take a small measure of pride in NOT posting questions whose answer already exists (and surely don't want to repeat my error) how I should have searched for them? I used the forum search function, using "Zenith", "Zenith AND DVD", "Zenith DVB216", etc., and never found the codes you cite.

Thanks again...

Philosophydoc

[johnsfine]

how I should have searched for them? I used the forum search function,

I don't know why it would be evident to a beginner, so don't feel bad.

We have a file area as well as a forum. The search processes are seperate.

Except for the diagnosis area, we don't encourage routinely posting descriptions/links of new files into the forum. So such a link/description is typically in the forum only as it relates to some discussion. Most device upgrades aren't mentioned anywhere in the forum.

[The Robman]

There is a link to the file section at the top of every page here in the forums. The file section is divided into various categories. The files that I found where in the "DVD" folder in the "Device Upgrades" section.

The file section also has it's own search feature.

I didn't find an exact match on your particular model number, but that doesn't matter as most manufacturers use the same codeset for most (or all) of their models of a similar device, and that certainly appears to be the case with Zenith.

[Capn Trips]

Well, you did write this in your first post:

Checked the file section? Yes -- searched entire site for any mention of this brand/model DVD, found nothing. Found no additional Zenith DVD player codes.

..so excuse the forum regulars who may have presumed you had in fact searched the file section.

Rob, perhaps the Code Search template needs to specify that the file section is NOT the same place as the actual fora.

[The Robman]

Rob, perhaps the Code Search template needs to specify that the file section is NOT the same place as the actual fora (or link to it).

It already is a link.