JP1 Remotes

Hi,OK before I begin to figure out how to do the JP1 stuff,I need to get a remote to do it with.
I have a Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300 DVR cable box that uses the UR5-8400a remote.I have a Sony DVPCX985v DVD changer that uses the RM-DX500 remote and lastly an Onkyo TX-SR502 with the RC-590M remote.
I like the cable box remote layout but it doesn't work with the Onkyo and not all the functions of the Sony.
Do any of the remotes that The Robman sells have the backlight function,and be able to control my 3 devices?

Those sound like pretty ordinary devices (that you want to control). I'm not certain of those specific model numbers, but those brands and device types typically have the same codes across many models. If so, you can easily find the right JP1 upgrades without needing learning. (All other things being equal, it's nicer to have learning as a fallback in case of problems finding the right code set. But if you prefer the key layout of a nonlearning model, you're pretty safe).

For ease and flexibility of JP1 programming, and best confidence of being able to support problem devices, the 8811 is the best. It's also the least expensive Rob sells. (It does have both backlight and learning).

But for the needs you describe, there is no significant difference in JP1 programming across the whole range of JP1 remotes you might consider. So my "8811 best" comment doesn't mean much. You should be choosing based on other factors (size, button layout, appearance, etc.) that are all personal preference (expert advice wouldn't mean anything).

You could also consider the URC-8910, which is basically the same as the URC-8811 except that it also has an LCD screen. Both the 8811 and the 8910 have backlighting and learning and both are $20.

The Robman..Is the LCD screen useful or just a fancy feature.
What are the backlit colors on both of the remotes you mentioned(8811,8910)
On my original cable remote,there are a group of buttons dedicated to the DVR functions(List,Live,Play,FF,REC,Pause,etc).Do any of the remotes you sell have those?

Can anyone point me to a larger or better picture of the 8811 or 8910?
Can anyone tell me the backlit colors of either of these remotes?

JP1newbie wrote:The Robman..Is the LCD screen useful or just a fancy feature.

That's really for you to decide, some would call it a fancy feature, some people really like it. It basically tells you which mode the remote is in (ie, TV, VCR, DVD, etc) and it tells you the time. When you program the remote using the remote, you use onscreen menus rather than all the 99* type commands that you unse on remotes like the URC-8811.

Is the screen worth paying extra for? No. But for the same price it's probably worth it.

JP1newbie wrote:What are the backlit colors on both of the remotes you mentioned(8811,8910)

They're both red.

JP1newbie wrote:On my original cable remote,there are a group of buttons dedicated to the DVR functions (List, Live, Play, FF, REC, Pause, etc). Do any of the remotes you sell have those?

Every JP1 remote has transport keys (ie, PLAY, PAUSE, REWIND, FFWD, STOP, RECORD). I don't think any universal remote has a LIST button, but most have a GUIDE button. What you won't get on standard remotes are the REPLAY and QUICK-SKIP buttons that PVR users need. On regular remotes like the 8811 and 8910 you can use the |<< and >>| buttons for these functions. I have two models of remotes that have a PVR device button and also include several PVR specific buttons, including REPLAY and SKIP. The models are URC-6131 and URC-9960.

JP1newbie wrote:Can anyone point me to a larger or better picture of the 8811 or 8910?

http://www.hifi-remote.com/ofa/pic1.shtml?URC-8811
http://www.hifi-remote.com/ofa/pic1.shtml?URC-8910

Thanks, i'll look into those remotes also.

What is meant by the (mod) in URC-6131 - $25 (mod) ?

As sold, the 6131 remotes are JP1 "capable" but NOT JP1-"ready". They require a few modifications, like adding an EEPROM and the actual 6-pin header to connect to your JP1 cable. Robman and some of the other vendors who advertise here sell "modifed" 6131's (and 6131n's) that have had the modifications already done to them to make them JP1 ready when you receive them.

You won't find "modded" 6131's in regular retail outlets.

BTW, the vendors who sell modded 6131s get them from Rob, so you might as well order directly from him.

Well I got a 6131 thinking it looked similar to my SA 8300 cable box remote.It does look similar but is lacking some buttons that the original has.I did program some diferent buttons to do what I want but alas the "family" finds it difficult to use the new remote,because the buttons aren't named exactly the same.
So I found that the Atlas 5 device PVR/DVR remote has what appears to be the same layout.
Where could I find one?
It appears there are slightly different versions,which one will be JP1able?
Thanks

What are the names of the buttons that are causing the problems?

The A,B,C,LIST,FAV,LIVE buttons

The trick is to find some sort of logical button placement that's easy for everyone to remember.

For the A,B,C buttons, you could use the 3 PIP buttons at the buttom of the remote. These buttons are kinda seperate and distinct from all the other buttons and they're side by side, so...

A = PIP
B = SWAP
C = MOVE

I assume the LIST button brings up a program guide of recorded shows, therefore I would recommend the blue PVR MENU button. You could then use the two buttons next to it (ie, the THUMBS buttons) for the LIVE and FAV functions.

The URC-9960 Kameleon remote has LIVE and FAV buttons buttons.

Rob, I appreciate you taking the time to help.Those button choices you suggest are fine with me, but I feel it's gonna be a hard sell.

The trick is to find some sort of logical button placement that's easy for everyone to remember.

That's one of the problems,they don't understand i'm making it easier for them
I don't mind having to get a new remote and the Atlas DVR/PVR style looks almost identical to the UR5-8400a so I think it would be a better choice.
Do they still make that remote with JP1 or is it only the new version(1.2?)
Know where I can find 1?