Considering JP1 for the first time

[gumbygo1]

I currently have a stereo system with all Sony components and a learning Sony remote which works pretty well. There are a few annoyances that are making me consider a JP1 remote. For example:

1. The discrete power-on codes in my remote are all preprogrammed, so they do not work with newer Sony devices like DVD recorders or HDTV receivers.
2. I have to hold the component select button down for 2 seconds to get it to play a macro associated with that component.

The remote can learn, so #1 could be overcome, but I would need a remote that can send discrete power-on/off codes to begin with.

So here is my question. Can someone recommend a JP1 compatible remote that will do the following?

1. Allow me to define discrete power on/off codes from the PC
2. Allow me to assign macros to the component select buttons that will playback instantly upon pressing the component select key (as well as switch the remote's other buttons to control that device).

I love my Sony remote so much (it's IR signal is really powerful, and it can learn very long complex macros into *any* key because it's learning feature can learn a macro from another remote).

Do any JP1 remotes allow macros to playback instantly when you press a component select button? If not, I may just want a cheap JP1 remote to get something to send the discrete power codes which I would then teach the Sony remote using the learning feature.

Any help would be much appreciated.

-Paul

[Capn Trips]

Can someone recommend a JP1 compatible remote that will do the following?

1. Allow me to define discrete power on/off codes from the PC
2. Allow me to assign macros to the component select buttons that will playback instantly upon pressing the component select key (as well as switch the remote's other buttons to control that device).
...
Do any JP1 remotes allow macros to playback instantly when you press a component select button? -Paul

Yes Most JP1 remotes allow (if the equipment supports it) you to assign any function to any key, as long as you find the signal required.

Almost EVERY Sony signal extant is documented on a great site linked to in THIS STICKY THREAD .

And many JP1 remotes allow you to assign macros to device keys with the use of a program called an extender, which among other things, speeds up macros (and most macros on JP1 remotes run with a single press of the assigned button, not requiring you to hold the button for the entire macro to run).

So I would recommend a URC 8910 or 9910 (if you like an LCD display) or a 8811 (if you don't) which are all JP1 learning remotes with JP1 capability right out of the box, requiring no modifications. Check the marketplace section and see what Rob is selling.

[gumbygo1]

Thanks for the great info. I think I'll get a URC-8910.

What is this "extender" you speak of? Where can I read about it?

Thanks!!

[The Robman]

The extender is a program that you load into the remote. The extender takes over control of the remote allowing you to do things that the remote would not otherwise let you do.

A common reason that people use extenders is to allow macros to be programmed to the device buttons, but with the URC-8910 and URC-9910 this isn't necessary as this particular model allows macros on the device buttons anyway (as long as they're programmed using JP1).

I have both the URC-8811 ($20) and URC-9910 ($30) available.