JP1 Remotes

Hi all.

I've been lurking around AVS forum, remote central, and here for a while, hoping to find an answer to what I thought was a simple question:

Can my learning remote (MX-500) be programmed to select an input directly (no scrolling) on my Sony HD TV (KDF-46E2000), which has 7 inputs?

In the course of my investigation, I learned the following:

1. The Sony remote seems to require scrolling to select the input, and there's no (obvious) way to do it without scrolling.
2. I could use what's called a discrete code to access the input selections
3. Sadly, only inputs 1 though 6 are available using discrete codes
4. I need input 7 (an HDMI input)
5. In order to get inputs 1-6 discrete, I need some sort of discrete code programmable remote, which the MX-500 is not. These remotes are available at Radio Shack, Wal-mart, and the like. They do not require any cables or PC to do. You simply input the advanced code into the the remote, assign it to a button, and then have the MX-500 'learn' the code from the new remote.
6. To get input 7 (and higher) requires what is called a JP1 remote, which may or may not also be one described in #5. JP1 programming involves a PC, a special cable that must be purchased online, and a learning the process descibed in the beginner documents here on the site.

Does all this sound right? If so, I'm trying to put together my plan of action. I'm hoping that, with your help, I can post a HOWTO (once I'm sure that my statements above are correct). I'm hoping this is the place that can verify the notes.

FYI, it appears the simple answer to my simple question is 'Yes'. It's just getting there that's the adventure.

Thanks!

belwig wrote: 2. I could use what's called a discrete code to access the input selections

Yes.

belwig wrote: 3. Sadly, only inputs 1 though 6 are available using discrete codes

Maybe.

belwig wrote: 4. I need input 7 (an HDMI input)

How about a macro that does a discrete selection for input 6 then advances to the next input.

belwig wrote: 5. In order to get inputs 1-6 discrete, I need some sort of discrete code programmable remote, which the MX-500 is not. These remotes are available at Radio Shack, Wal-mart, and the like.

They are no longer at the Radio Shacks nor Walmarts that I've visited recently.

Even with shipping added, buying one online from Rob (owner of this forum) costs less than buying one from typical non discount retail stores that have them.

belwig wrote: 6. To get input 7 (and higher) requires what is called a JP1 remote, which may or may not also be one described in #5. JP1 programming involves a PC, a special cable that must be purchased online, and a learning the process descibed in the beginner documents here on the site.

Two problems with the discrete select 7 signal:
1) You can't generate it with a built-in setup code. So you need a JP1 upgrade.
2) Lots of Sony TV models have 7 inputs and understand the discrete input commands for 1 through 6 but don't understand the command for input 7. So even if your remote can generate discrete input 7, it's only maybe that your TV can understand it.

belwig wrote: FYI, it appears the simple answer to my simple question is 'Yes'. It's just getting there that's the adventure.

I think the simple answer is buy something like an 8910 from Rob and ask if he'll preprogram Sony TV discrete select 7 to a button before shipping it to you.

If that works on your TV, you can teach the MX-500 with it. Otherwise teach the MX-500 discrete input 6 and define a macro to reach 7.

Either way, you're also left with an 8910, which is a real nice remote and you might decide to leave the MX500 on the shelf and use your new good remote instead.

johnsfine wrote:

belwig wrote: 3. Sadly, only inputs 1 though 6 are available using discrete codes

Maybe.

Maybe as in you're not sure for this TV?

johnsfine wrote:

belwig wrote: 4. I need input 7 (an HDMI input)

How about a macro that does a discrete selection for input 6 then advances to the next input.

Sounds good. I'll try it, but...

johnsfine wrote:

belwig wrote: 5. In order to get inputs 1-6 discrete, I need some sort of discrete code programmable remote, which the MX-500 is not. These remotes are available at Radio Shack, Wal-mart, and the like.

They are no longer at the Radio Shacks nor Walmarts that I've visited recently.

...it looks like a discrete code remote isn't readily available so I could do it, right?

johnsfine wrote:

belwig wrote: 6. To get input 7 (and higher) requires what is called a JP1 remote, which may or may not also be one described in #5. JP1 programming involves a PC, a special cable that must be purchased online, and a learning the process descibed in the beginner documents here on the site.

Two problems with the discrete select 7 signal:
1) You can't generate it with a built-in setup code. So you need a JP1 upgrade.
2) Lots of Sony TV models have 7 inputs and understand the discrete input commands for 1 through 6 but don't understand the command for input 7. So even if your remote can generate discrete input 7, it's only maybe that your TV can understand it.

Ahh, so there's no way to find this out (other than try it)?

johnsfine wrote: I think the simple answer is buy something like an 8910 from Rob and ask if he'll preprogram Sony TV discrete select 7 to a button before shipping it to you.

If that works on your TV, you can teach the MX-500 with it. Otherwise teach the MX-500 discrete input 6 and define a macro to reach 7.

Either way, you're also left with an 8910, which is a real nice remote and you might decide to leave the MX500 on the shelf and use your new good remote instead.

It's very odd to me that this functionaility is left off the OEM remote. Anyway, so it looks like I can kill two birds with one stone and a) get a remote that I can use to 'teach' the MX-100 and b) get a remote with the codes I need already programmed. I just have to wait a little longer. I can live with that. Thanks!